Residents tell Blowing Rock council deer overpopulation is a public-health concern

During the public-comment period at the July 14 Blowing Rock Town Council meeting, several residents urged the town to address what they called a growing deer overpopulation problem that is contributing to tick-borne disease and property damage.

David Sweet, who identified himself and his wife as Green Street residents, told the council he contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever last year and that his wife was diagnosed the day before his appearance. “Deer carry ticks. Ticks carry disease…This is creating a public health issue in Blowing Rock,” he said, asking the town to mobilize public opinion and consider action now rather than after more residents are harmed.

Jenny Miller and others recounted similar personal and neighborhood experiences — dead fawns found in yards, property damage and cases of tick-borne illness. Miller asked the council to form an ad hoc committee to study the problem and potential interventions before disease or mass die-off occurs.

Speakers suggested a range of local responses including community outreach to build support for management options, early coordination with wildlife authorities to investigate animal disease, and studying examples from other jurisdictions where population management and public education reduced tick exposure. No formal staff action was recorded on deer management at the meeting; the comments were entered as part of the public-comment record.