Chester County Deals With Increasing Deer Population

Chester County is facing a significant increase in its deer population, which poses threats to road safety, public health, and the environment.

Writing for MyChesCo, columnist Grace Wolter stated that deer overpopulation is causing environmental damage by overconsumption of vegetation, weakening forests, and hindering new tree growth, thereby affecting overall ecosystem health.

Wolter noted that, since 2003, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has shifted its deer management strategy from simple population counts to assessing forest health and human-wildlife conflicts, but this has not stopped the population from continuing to grow.

According to Wolter, in 2022, Chester County reported the most Lyme disease cases in Pennsylvania, accounting for approximately 8.6% of all cases in the state. If Lyme disease is not treated, it can damage the brain and heart. Too many deer worsen the spread of Lyme disease.

Pennsylvania is also one of the top states for car crashes with deer. In 2023, state police reported 1,381 crashes. The risk is even higher in Chester County with its busy roads and rural areas.

While the Pennsylvania Game Commission issues hunting licenses to control deer numbers, Chester County needs additional measures such as fencing, targeted hunting, population tracking, and public education, Wolter stated. She advocates a comprehensive deer control plan that includes the following:

Members of the public can support this effort by using the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website or local township reporting systems to log deer crashes, sightings, or property damage. Individuals are asked to check themselves for tick bites after engaging in outdoor activities. They can also contact local leaders and ask them to support better deer management practices.