Too many deer in your area? Birth control could help

Populations of suburban deer have been on the rise across the U.S. for the last 50 years. Suburban landscapes are like buffet tables with their plentiful lawns, shrubs, and gardens that tempt the animals into human territory. But in many places—like Tennessee, Ohio, Maryland, Iowa, North Carolina, and Delaware—deer have become problematic. They cause traffic accidents, disrupt yards and flora, damage crops, and contribute to the spread of Lyme disease by hosting the ticks that carry the bacteria. In Massachusetts, for example, deer-related traffic accidents have gone up by 50% over the last 10 years, prompting calls for action.