Deer overpopulation is becoming a growing concern across Southwest Virginia

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Deer overpopulation is becoming an increasing issue across Southwest Virginia, with residents noticing more sightings in rural and urban areas. This rise in deer activity is leading to widespread damage to plants, along with an increased threat of tick-borne illnesses, most notably Lyme disease.

Deer, for many years, have become a common sight near homes and on roadways. As a result, many residents are dealing with the consequences, including damage to landscaping and crops. Sarah Peltier, a biologist with the Virginia Department of Natural Resources, said that the deer population in the region is “very robust.”

“In some areas, people may say there are too many deer based on vehicle collisions or deer eating their landscaping,” Sarah explained.

Deer overpopulation doesn’t just affect gardens and roads. Experts say deer bring along unwanted guests—ticks—that contribute to a higher risk of Lyme disease, both in humans and pets. The problem is made worse when deer are fed by humans, encouraging them to gather in residential areas. Peltier warns against this behavior, explaining that congregating deer can lead to higher tick transmission rates.

“Feeding deer, congregating wildlife in a small area, can definitely increase transmission. If you have more deer in your yard, there’s a potential for more ticks falling off into your yard,” said Peltier.

In response to the growing concern, Lynchburg city officials recently discussed stricter regulations aimed at controlling the deer population. At a city council meeting, Chief Animal Warden Ryan Ball proposed several changes to current policies, including a year-round ban on feeding deer.

“The first option I gave them was to strengthen the ban on deer feeding to a year-round ban,” said Ball. “We really encourage people not to feed deer—or any wildlife, really.”

Other proposed measures include easing restrictions on bow hunting in larger areas and promoting urban archery on specific city-owned properties to help manage deer numbers. Ball and other officials stress that regulated hunting is a key tool for maintaining a healthy and manageable deer population.

Lynchburg’s bow hunting program, targets antlerless deer, particularly females, to reduce the overall population. Officials say that properly managing the population will not only help protect plants and reduce the spread of disease but also decrease deer-related vehicle accidents.

Associate professor of wildlife, with Virginia Tech, Jim ParkHurst, said deer hunting season is already underway in some areas, with certain disease management zones having opened in early September.

“Depending on where you are, deer season is already open. In our disease management areas, it opened up the first week of September, and we have a three-week archery season that has already begun. The deer season will continue in certain areas from January into March,” Parkhurst said.

By following new regulations and encouraging responsible hunting practices, officials hope to reduce the deer population across Southwest Virginia.

Those who have questions or concerns about increased deer population can contact the Wildlife Conflict Helpline, 1-855-571-9003.