Science tells us that ideal deer densities are 15-20 deer per square mile of suitable habitat. Unfortunately, many of the areas in which large deer herds are found contain low levels of suitable habitat due to the large number of deer and deer overbrowsing. Stream valleys and natural wooded areas of the County that have little undergrowth and relatively few native, hardwood seedlings are likely populated by a large number of deer. Deer pose a significant safety hazard for drivers in many areas of the County. Vehicle damage, personal injury, and death have resulted from these collisions.
Most collisions occur in the fall when breeding season causes deer to be more active.
In order to avoid hitting a deer, drivers are encouraged to watch for deer especially at night and in the early morning hours. A healthy female deer may produce two fawns per year. In a habitat where there are no natural predators, a white-tailed deer population can double in two years. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has estimated that Fairfax County has anywhere between 15 and 419 deer per square mile. White-tailed deer feed primarily on leaves, buds, twigs and nuts.