Montvale’s deer do not need a dinner invitation. That is the message the mayor is trying to get across to residents as concerns about the deer population continue to grow.

Deer have become an increasingly familiar sight in Montvale, and Mayor Mike Ghassali is asking residents to stop providing food sources that continue attracting them to the area. The mayor said he has received many comments and questions about what the borough is doing to address the deer issue.

“Deer-related accidents are a real concern, and I’m doing everything I can to reduce those risks,” the mayor said in a recent statement. “The reality is that this is a regional problem that requires a regional solution. Montvale cannot solve this alone, and we cannot expect deer to stay within borders.”

While development and the removal of deer’s natural habitats are often blamed for an increase in the population in residential areas, Ghassali said that is not necessarily the case in Montvale.

“We have more deer than ever, and it’s not because development is replacing untouched wilderness. Much of the development in our area replaces existing buildings and previously developed land,” he said.

According to Ghassali, deer are attracted to the area and remain in the region because of “the abundant food source we provide through gardens, bird feeders, landscaping and, in some cases, intentional feeding.”

He said the best way to address the issue without resorting to “lethal” methods is to stop feeding deer. By eliminating food sources left by residents, he said, the deer will move to other areas to forage on their own.

“I’m going to continue emphasizing this message: Stop feeding the deer,” Ghassali said, adding that intentionally feeding deer is also illegal.

He also urged residents to install deer fencing if they keep plants in their yards that are known to attract deer.

A survey conducted earlier this year found 341 white-tailed deer in the borough, which covers just over 4 square miles. The survey was conducted by FAA-certified pilots using infrared drones. It took place primarily at night, “when greater contrast between ground and deer body temperatures enabled enhanced visibility.”