The doe scrambled out of the way as I rounded the curve on Buffalo Mountain Road, but stopped just inside the woods to turn and watch.

I stopped the Liberty, pulled my camera out of the back set and rattled off about a half-dozen shots. In past years, the sound of the camera shutter would be enough to send any deer scrambling back further into the woods.

Not these days. Deer are hungry and not as easily frightened. The deer population in Virginia continues to spiral out of control.

Even with an expanded hunting season and increased kills, their numbers expand and more and more venture closer to humans in search of food.

In the Old Dominion's urban areas, residents frequently spot deer near subdivisions and shopping areas and some cities are even appointing deer task forces while larger urban areas like Fairfax County has deer management plans.

Record numbers are also killed by cars and trucks (along with some drivers and passengers), not only on the Interstates but also on city roads. Unless Virginia finds a way to reduce the deer population, the problem will continue to grow.