Reston’s Deer Dilemma: Balancing Wildlife and Woodland Health

Contributed by Reston Environmental Advisory Committee

Photo by Reston Association staff

As longtime Restonians, many of us have developed a deep appreciation for the environment. But as many communities are discovering, too much of even a good thing can become a problem. Such is the case with our overabundant deer population.

Without natural predators and with plentiful food sources in our suburban landscape, deer populations have surged to unhealthy levels. While many recognize the damage overpopulated deer can inflict on gardens and plantings—as well as the danger they pose to motorists—fewer realize the harm this imbalance causes the deer themselves. Left unchecked, deer populations can quickly outgrow the environment’s ability to support them, leading to malnutrition, slow starvation, and the spread of diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease, a fatal and highly contagious neurological disorder.

Excessive deer browsing also devastates native plant populations and disrupts forest regeneration, as young trees—especially oaks and maples—are eaten before they can mature. As native wildflowers and shrubs decline, invasive species take over, reducing habitat quality for all wildlife, including the deer. In natural settings, predators would keep these risks in check. But in our altered suburban environments, where predators have been eliminated, the ecosystem has become unbalanced—threatening not only nature’s beauty, but also the health and future of our local woodlands and the deer populations they support.

Although it may feel uncomfortable, responsible deer management—including population control—is essential for safeguarding both the environment and the animals themselves. Ecologists and wildlife managers agree that controlling local deer populations is key to restoring ecological balance, maintaining healthy forests, and protecting both people and wildlife. As good environmental stewards, we must develop a responsible management plan for Reston.

The good news is that we are not alone in facing this challenge. Neighboring communities such as Fairfax County and Arlington County have already grappled with overabundant deer populations. Both have implemented management programs that combine public education, regulated hunts, and ongoing monitoring to address ecological and safety concerns. By learning from their experiences, Reston can create a balanced, effective approach tailored to our community’s needs—drawing on proven strategies to promote healthy forests and sustainable wildlife populations.

To learn more about deer management, visit the Reston State of the Environment Report (RASER) on the Reston Association’s website and review the Wildlife Management Issues chapter.