Suffolk County’s Deadly Commute: How Deer Overpopulation is Turning Every Drive Into a Game of Chance
Every morning, Suffolk County drivers face an invisible threat that’s becoming increasingly deadly. As autumn darkness settles in earlier and deer begin their mating season frenzy, the roads of Long Island transform into dangerous collision zones where Suffolk County ranked third out of 62 New York counties for the most annual animal-involved collisions in 2023, up from sixth place just one year earlier.
The statistics paint a sobering picture of this growing crisis. In Suffolk County last year, there were 1,448 car crashes involving animals, the most since at least 2018, with deer being the culprit in 88 percent of crashes involving animals statewide. What makes this particularly alarming is that these numbers represent only reported incidents – many minor collisions go undocumented, suggesting the true scope of the problem is far greater.
The Root of the Crisis: Deer Overpopulation
Suffolk County’s deer problem has reached epidemic proportions. Long Island is home to 25,000 to 30,000 deer, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with some areas experiencing population densities that are staggering. Ecologists say most forests can support 10 to 15 deer per square mile. But woodsy Southold exceeds that by 500 percent; as many as 2,500 to 3,000 deer are eating bare Southold’s 54 square miles.
This overpopulation didn’t happen overnight. The current pattern of human land use is ideal for creating and sustaining high-density deer populations. Open areas such as residential developments and agricultural fields are interspersed with forested areas, providing plentiful edge habitat as well as a variety of nutritious crops and ornamental plantings. Additionally, local laws and landowner opinions have severely constrained hunting in many developed areas. The resulting limited mortality combined with abundant food has allowed suburban and urban deer populations to reach extraordinarily high levels.
Peak Danger Season: When Deer Become Road Hazards
The timing of deer-vehicle collisions follows a predictable and dangerous pattern. October through December is the most dangerous season for deer strikes on the East End, and across Suffolk County… It’s a perfect storm each fall when deer mating season and hunting season coincide with diminished food sources and days where dusk falls around 5 p.m. — when many drivers are commuting home from work.
During this critical period, hormone-packed bucks are racing around chasing does. In their mating season, “they’re more active, they’re up on their feet more often”. The combination of increased deer movement, reduced daylight hours, and peak commuting times creates a perfect storm for vehicle collisions.
Local highway departments are overwhelmed by the carnage. Southold Highway Department workers are picking up an average of one dead deer a day, “and some days we’ll do pickups throughout the day”, while in Riverhead, Mike Zaleski’s Highway Department staff averages between five and 15 — and sometimes as many as 20 — dead deer a week.
Beyond Vehicle Damage: The Hidden Health Crisis
While property damage and vehicle repairs grab headlines, the deer overpopulation crisis extends far beyond roadways. They serve as hosts to multiple tick species that produce thousands of disease-ridden nymphs, creating a significant public health threat. “It’s the largest public health crisis we have in Southold with no close second,” according to Supervisor Scott Russell.
The connection between deer populations and tick-borne illnesses is well-established. Many parts of New York are considered high-risk areas for human infection with Lyme disease, based on the density of infected ticks. Reducing deer populations to very low levels can reduce tick densities and infection rates because deer are the primary food source for adult female ticks.
Environmental Devastation
The ecological impact of deer overpopulation is equally concerning. Too many deer ravenously eat native flowers, shrubs and sapling trees, reducing floral biodiversity faster than the plants can recover. Forest understories that once teemed with diverse plant life now stand barren. “They’ve completely decimated the understory,” according to John Rasweiler, a Southold resident and board member of the North Fork Deer Alliance.
They cause millions of dollars worth of damage to Long Island agriculture every year, forcing farmers to erect 8-foot-tall steel fences around orchards and crop fields. This agricultural damage compounds the economic impact of vehicle collisions, creating a multi-faceted crisis that affects multiple sectors of the local economy.
Professional Solutions for Property Owners
While large-scale population management requires coordinated governmental efforts, property owners don’t have to remain helpless against deer damage. Professional pest control companies have adapted their services to address this growing need, offering comprehensive solutions that protect both landscapes and families.
For Suffolk County residents dealing with persistent deer damage to their properties, professional Deer Control in Suffolk County, NY services provide effective, science-based solutions. Companies like Jones Tree & Plant Care, led by certified arborist Thomas Jones, offer integrated approaches that combine multiple deterrent strategies tailored to each property’s unique needs.
As a licensed arborist, Jones is committed to offering scientifically based landscape management and delivering quality services. Jones Tree and Plant Care will inspect your landscape, diagnose any problems, and make recommendations based on knowledge and expertise gained through over 10 years of experience in the industry.
Professional deer control services typically employ multiple strategies including physical barriers, repellent applications, habitat modification, and ongoing monitoring programs. Jones Tree and Plant Care creates specific programs based on the needs of each individual customer and property. A total tree and plant care approach will improve growth, condition and appearance of your property, all while using environmentally sensitive, affordable treatments.
The Road Ahead
Suffolk County’s deer overpopulation crisis represents a complex challenge that requires both individual action and coordinated public policy responses. While local municipalities work toward comprehensive management solutions, property owners can take immediate steps to protect their families, landscapes, and investments.
The vehicle strike epidemic serves as a stark reminder that this isn’t just an environmental or agricultural issue – it’s a public safety crisis that affects every driver on Suffolk County roads. As deer populations continue to grow and encroach further into suburban areas, professional intervention becomes not just advisable, but essential for maintaining both property values and personal safety.
For homeowners and businesses ready to take action against deer damage, consulting with experienced professionals who understand local deer behavior patterns and can implement comprehensive, environmentally responsible control strategies offers the best path forward. The cost of prevention is invariably less than the cost of dealing with extensive property damage, potential vehicle collisions, and the health risks associated with tick-borne diseases.