Many deer trapped in Lakeway during the 1999-2000 season were infested with ticks. Deer wildlife biologists consulted by the Deer Control Committee all emphasized the potential health threat posed by ticks and fleas. Lyme disease, while rare in occurrence, can be fatal and it has recently occurred in the Lake Travis area. Click on Lyme Disease in Texas for State Health Department data on the incidence of Lyme disease. Experts warn that wildlife overpopulation can be a significant contributor to Lyme disease.
Deer can be a danger to people during rut and fawning seasons.
Children are especially vulnerable. A protective mother doe is dangerous and a buck may viciously attack anyone between him and a targeted doe during rut. Overpopulation of deer reduces the opportunity for deer to seclude themselves in forest cover. If not, it is essential that we take action to bring the size of the herd to a level more acceptable to our citizens. Doing nothing is not in the interest of our deer or our citizens.