ATHENS, GA – As the peak of the rut approaches in most of the whitetail’s range, so does the peak of deer-vehicle collisions. The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) offers suggestions based on scientific research to help motorists avoid unwanted encounters with whitetails.
While the peak of the deer breeding season, or “rut,” varies in timing throughout North America, the majority of whitetails breed from late October through December, with a peak in November.
The peak in breeding also brings a peak in deer movement, and this puts more deer in roadways than at any other time of year. Numerous scientific studies have shown a strong correlation between breeding dates, deer movement, and deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs).
“Bucks are covering a lot of ground during the rut in search of does, they’re chasing many of those does, and until they are receptive, many of those does are running from the bucks,” said Kip Adams, QDMA’s Director of Education & Outreach and a certified wildlife biologist. “A lot of these deer are crossing roadways in the process, and that’s why we see a peak of deer-vehicle collisions in November.”
It is estimated that more than 1 million DVCs occur annually in the United States, resulting in approximately 200 human fatalities and nearly $2 billion in property damage. Here are some tips that can be effective at helping motorists avoid deer on highways. Read more
