Urban and Suburban Deer Problems
Due to urban sprawl, the Whitetail deer are being pushed into tighter groups and smaller areas. With that, there becomes many problems for both humans and deer. When Whitetail deer are pushed together it brings higher risk for diseases to be spread. Some diseases can be contracted by humans, such as Lyme disease. And in the state of Pennsylvania, Lyme disease is on the rise. We are ranked 2nd in the nation for reported cases of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is carried by the deer tick. This can be contracted by humans and pets. Whitetail deer also carry the dog tick, which can transmit rocky mountain spotted fever and tularemia. These diseases can be very hard to detect early and can lead to many problems and sometimes even death.
I know from first hand experience, as I was bitten by a tick a few years ago and contracted Lyme disease. Even with my early detection it took many weeks to even feel somewhat better and to this day I have recurrences.
Things to look for if you have been bitten by a tick. Fever, headache, muscle aches and pains and lack of strength.
Sometimes you can tell if you observe a rash around the area were bitten. (see right)
Two other diseases deer can contract are EHD - epizootic hemorrhagic disease and CWD - chronic wasting disease. While CWD has not been found in Pennsylvania, EHD has been found. EHD causes swelling of the head, heart and lungs. These two diseases are said not to be transferable to humans, but the public health officials recommend that both EHD and CWD agents be avoided as more research is done.
Also when Whitetail deer and other wildlife are pushed into smaller areas, the amount of food that use to support a smaller group of animals now becomes stretched. Many deer will look for food in other places like gardens and landscaping. 
Deer will also start traveling further distances to get food. Which brings a whole different problem - Deer collisions. In Pennsylvania, they are on a rise with a higher percentage coming from suburban areas of the state. We have ranked in the top five for many years. Most insurance companies do not cover accidents with deer.
