Deer in Arlington

Published on June 15, 2023

White-tailed deer are native to Arlington. However, by 1900 white-tailed deer had been nearly eradicated from most of Virginia. Through the 1940’s to 1980’s with restocking efforts, laws protecting deer and favorable habitat, deer have rebounded at a rapid rate in Virginia.  

Recently, some Arlington community members have expressed concern with the perceived increase in deer population and possible impact on the natural environment, public safety and public health.  

As identified in the 2010 Natural Resources Management Plan, a sub-element of the Public Spaces Master Plan, the County has a long-standing commitment to natural resource protection and conservation.  

Arlington County is currently working on a Deer Management Project to review the deer population and create a plan to better manage them.