Quick Answer
White-tailed deer are abundant throughout New York, including suburban areas. Deer damage includes: eaten garden plants (especially hostas, tulips, roses), rubbed tree bark (bucks in fall), and vehicle collisions (over 50,000/year in NY). Deer tracks are 1.5-3 inches, heart-shaped. Scat is pellet-shaped, 1/4-1/2 inch. Deterrence methods include deer fencing (8 ft minimum), repellents, deer-resistant plants, and motion-activated sprinklers.
New York Deer Yard Damage Guide
White-tailed deer are one of the most common wildlife issues for New York homeowners. The state's deer population is estimated at 1 million, and suburban deer have become accustomed to living near humans. Deer can cause significant damage to landscaping and gardens.
Deer Damage Identification
| Damage Type | Description | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Garden browsing | Plants eaten cleanly, 1-5 ft above ground | Spring-Fall |
| Tree rubbing | Bark stripped from young trees (antler rubbing) | Fall (Sept-Oct) |
| Tracks | Heart-shaped, 1.5-3 inches, in mud/snow | Year-round |
| Scat | Pellet-shaped, 1/4-1/2 inch, in piles | Year-round |
| Bedding areas | Compressed grass in sheltered areas | Year-round |
| Trails | Well-worn paths through yards and gardens | Year-round |
Deer-Resistant Plants for New York
| Plant Type | Deer-Resistant Plants | Deer-Preferred Plants (Avoid) |
|---|---|---|
| Perennials | Lavender, sage, yarrow, peony, iris | Hosta, tulip, daylily, rose |
| Shrubs | Boxwood, juniper, barberry, lilac | Yew, arborvitae, rhododendron |
| Annuals | Marigold, zinnia, snapdragon, daffodil | Pansy, impatiens, petunia |
| Ground covers | Pachysandra, vinca, juniper | English ivy, ajuga |
Deer Deterrence Methods
- Fencing: 8-foot minimum height; deer-proof mesh fencing is most effective
- Repellents: Rotate between scent-based and taste-based repellents
- Motion-activated sprinklers: Effective for small yards
- Deer-resistant plants: Replace preferred plants with less palatable options
- Tree guards: Protect young trees with plastic or wire guards
- Remove bird feeders: Deer are attracted to fallen seed
FAQ: New York Deer
How many deer-vehicle collisions occur in New York?
New York reports over 50,000 deer-vehicle collisions annually. The highest risk months are October through December (mating season). Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk.
Is it legal to feed deer in New York?
No. Feeding deer is illegal in New York State. It concentrates deer in small areas, increases disease transmission, and makes them dependent on human-provided food.
Professional Wildlife Removal in New York
If you need professional wildlife removal or pest control services in New York, our local guides cover the following cities:
- New York, NY — Wildlife & Pest Identification Guide
For help identifying the specific animal causing damage in your yard, see our What Animal Is Digging Holes in My New York Yard? guide.
Sources: US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Wildlife Services, state wildlife agencies, CDC, academic extension services. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional wildlife management advice.