Woodland Dreams, Suburban Realities: The Cost of Living Near Wildlife in Joplin

 

People move to wooded neighborhoods chasing peace, beauty, and the illusion of wilderness just beyond the porch. They name their streets Deer Run and Fox Hollow, hang bird feeders, and plant hostas in neat rows. But when the deer come standing near fences, bedding down in shaded corners, nibbling the roses they call on the city and for removal of the deer. Not because the animals are dangerous, but because they’re inconvenient.

 Deer don’t invade neighborhoods. They respond to habitat loss.
They browse what’s available fresh shoots, fruit trees, and landscaping.
They birth fawns in quiet corners because their original habitat has been developed.

Wildlife management teams often cite “overpopulation,” “property damage,” and “traffic safety.” But for many, the discomfort stems from proximity not threat.

“Ask the animals, and they will teach you… Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” — Job 12:7–10

 

 The Disease Defense: What Doesn’t Hold Up

One reason cited for Joplin’s urban deer harvest was “disease in neighborhoods.” It’s important to clarify what that means.

 Lyme Disease: Clarifying the Connection

Deer are not infected with Lyme disease and do not transmit it to ticks. Ticks acquire the Lyme-causing bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi from small mammals like mice not deer.  Deer serves as hosts for adult ticks but do not infect them. All animals in the forest get ticks.  Reducing deer populations does not eliminate tick presence or Lyme risk.

“Deer do not directly carry or transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease… While crucial for the tick life cycle, deer do not serve as the source of infection for ticks or humans.” — Biology Insights

Chronic WastingDisease (CWD): Testing Required

CWD is a neurological disease caused by prions. It cannot be diagnosed by sight alone. Symptoms may take months or years to appear. Lab testing of lymph nodes from deceased deer is required for confirmation.

“Identifying deer with chronic wasting disease is not possible by visual observation alone.” — MSU Extension

Field Dressing and Safety

The Missouri Department of Conservation recommends field dressing deer immediately after harvest. This includes removing organs and opening the body cavity. If disease prevention is a concern, additional safety protocols may be warranted.

 Joplin’s Ordinance: A Closer Look

In June 2025, Joplin City Council approved Council Bill No. 2025-003, allowing bow hunting of deer on private property of one acre or more, with landowner permission. The ordinance cites deer/vehicle collisions and property damage as justification.

“The pressure on the city is not from hunters, but from residents seeing the number of deer and disease in their neighborhoods.” — Councilman Mark Farnham

While safety and property concerns are valid, some community members feel the decision overlooks ecological nuance and the role of habitat loss.

“You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.” — Psalm 36:6

 

When ornamental plants become a higher priority than lactating does, first-season bucks, and nursing fawns, it’s not a wildlife problem it’s a human one.
Coexistence begins with compassion, not control.

 Community Perspectives

Wildlife advocates emphasize coexistence and habitat preservation.

Residents who enjoy deer sightings express concern about the impact of urban hunting.

Conservationists note that urban harvests may disrupt herd patterns and increase orphaned fawns.

Others suggest that living near wooded areas requires a willingness to share space with wildlife.

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”  Proverbs 12:10 

Final Thought

Wild animals aren’t misbehaving. They’re adapting to change. And adaptation deserves thoughtful response not removal.  Late-season fawns are still nursing, still learning their mother’s patterns. Yet urban harvest ordinances make no distinction they allow removal of all deer, regardless of age, health, or season.  The justification often centers on landscaping damage hostas, roses, fruit trees while overlooking the cost of disrupting herd bonds and orphaning young. Plants can be replanted. A fawn’s first winter cannot be redone.

Late season fawn born first week August  you can tell the season from spent naked lady lilies.  This fawn will not survive the winter if her mother is harvested.

Disclaimer for Advocacy Blog Post

This post reflects personal observations, emotional responses, and community experiences related to wildlife presence and urban ordinances in Joplin, Missouri. All data, patterns, and interpretations are based on long-term documentation and firsthand research. This content is not intended as legal advice, nor does it represent official city policy. Readers are encouraged to consult local government sources for current ordinance language and enforcement details. Wildlife behavior and community impact may vary by location.