The growing deer population is causing problems across New York, according to the State Department of Environmental Conservation, which released new data on its impact.

Officials say there are about 70,000 deer-vehicle collisions each year and an estimated $59 million in crop damage annually. Other issues include increased tick presence and harm to other species competing for food.

RELATED: State DEC begins accepting hunting permits amid deer population boom

The state accepts hunting licenses and deer management permits in some areas to help control the population.

Animal advocates argue that non-lethal methods like fertility control should be used instead.