Peachtree Corners begins deer camera study after residents report daytime sightings and safety concerns

Peachtree Corners officials said they are collecting data and coordinating with state and federal wildlife authorities after residents reported an increase in daytime deer sightings that residents say pose traffic and health risks.

Resident William Monet told the council that deer are appearing in neighborhoods and along roadways in daylight and have become habituated to people, increasing the chance of collisions and potential disease transmission. "As the deer become more habituated, we'll see an increase in, in cases of 'starry,' which is ... a rickettsial transmitted disease like Lyme disease," Monet said.

The city attorney said the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and USDA Wildlife Services have the statutory authority to make wildlife-management recommendations and that the city has been working with both agencies for about two years. The attorney said Peachtree Corners commissioned a wildlife biologist-led camera survey that is wrapping up toward September and that the biologist is expected to deliver a report for consideration by early December. Those results will be provided to DNR and may form the basis of recommended actions for property owners.

The attorney added that the deer are primarily on private property and that any DNR recommendations would be passed along to property owners and implemented by owners who choose to follow them. No formal policy changes or enforcement actions were taken by the council at the meeting.

Mayor Mike Mason and other council members acknowledged the concern and directed staff to continue coordinating with DNR and USDA Wildlife Services while the city awaits the biologist's findings. The city did not announce any new removal or culling programs at the meeting.

The matter remains under study; councilmembers and staff said they expect to review the biologist's findings and any DNR recommendations once the report is received.