What Deer Rutting Season Means for Motorists

White-tailed deer are the most common deer species in the eastern United States, and the main mating, or rutting, season is from late October through December each year. During rutting season, the males search for mates and females search for winter food sources, so their activity and hormone levels are greatly increased from those of the more sedentary summer months. Because of this, motorists are more likely to see deer entering roadways in the fall, or to encounter dead or injured deer on the road, both posing significant threats to drivers.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, animal collisions kill approximately 200 people per year nationwide, most taking place during the fall months. Motorists can counteract this seasonal challenge by following these guidelines:

• Decrease speed and be extra alert for deer and other wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk when they are most active.
• Be especially alert driving along roadways lined by dense forest, as deer can be hidden among foliage.
• Deer may seem to be busy grazing along the shoulders of roadways, but can dart into the road when startled.
• Deer often travel in groups as part of a herd, so if you see one, there’s a high probability that there are more nearby.
• If a deer or other animal jumps in front of your vehicle, do not abruptly swerve, but gradually apply the brakes, as sudden swerving can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Deer often run chaotically when startled, so they may run towards your vehicle, rather than away from it.
• If you hit or encounter a deer or other wildlife dead or injured in the road, contact the authorities to have it removed. Even dead animals on the shoulder can pose obstacles and distractions for motorists while also attracting additional scavenging wildlife.

By Colleen Woods-Esposito