homepage > police > services a-z > animal services:

Deer Management

Are you concerned about the deer population in Fairfax County?

Deer sightings in Fairfax County are not uncommon. While the presence of deer in Fairfax has been a delight for some, other residents express concern over damage to cars, gardens, and yards caused by deer.

Learn more about how Fairfax County is managing the deer population, including:

What are some of the problems caused by deer?
What are current deer management activities are underway?
What can residents and community groups do to help manage the deeer population?
Are there any plants or shrubs that may deter deer from grazing in my yard?

What are some of the problems caused by deer?

Road safety: An average of 4000-5000 deer-vehicle collisions in the County each year.
Wildlife habitat destruction: Over-abundance of deer results in depleted food and natural habitat for birds, amphibians and micro-organisms that are necessary to sustain County wildlife and the natural environment.
Forest regeneration: Too many deer result in a lack of shrubs and plant life. Plants most vulnerable include young oaks, maples and poplar trees.
Ornamental plant damage: Deer diet includes many non-native vegetation found in parks and neighborhoods, such as azaleas, hostas and daylilies. The cost of this damage is of great concern to residents and taxpayers.
Deer health: Too many deer living too close together reduces the overall health of the county’s deer population. Deer compete with each other for food and space.
Human health: Too many deer may increase human risk of exposure to ticks infected with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Deer may transport these ticks across the county.
Devaluation of the deer species: Although deer are a valued wildlife species here, as well as in the wildlife chain, an overabundance may cause some to view them as “pests."

What current deer management activities are underway?

County officials gather data about damages caused by deer from residents
County monitors trends in herd size and location.
County monitors health of selected herds of deer
Use of roadside reflectors tried, but were not effective in reducing deer-vehicle collisions
County wildlife experts conduct seminars to help the public better understand deer and local management issues surrounding them.