NORWICH – Norwich city legislators are considering steps to curb a growing deer problem in the city’s third ward.

According to Mayor Brian Doliver, the city’s taken note of residents’ complaints that deer are becoming more of a nuisance than in previous years, raising concerns about the spread of ticks, disease, and the toll that deer are taking on vegetable gardens.

“All our wards have issues with this, but it primarily tends to be a third ward issue,” Doliver said. “We’re looking to form a committee now that would address the issue.”

Doliver said it may be years before implementing any changes because of the need for approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation. But the first step, he said, is putting a committee in place that can make recommendations to the city council.

“There's overpopulation,” he added. “If we get a call, it’s generally near Gibson School and in that area. But we’re starting to see them more in the swimming pool area, the fairgrounds area, and near McDonald’s too. Maybe it’s a minor issue now, but it’s something that could potentially get worse.”

Doliver said it may be six months to a year before the city gets a clearer focus on ways to regain control of the deer population.