Steer Clear of Wildlife

October through January are bad months for deer vehicle collisions. Highway engineers put roads in the middle of wildlife habitat. As a result, deer must cross roads for shelter and mates and run for their lives from hunters.

The Humane Society of the United States has tips to avoid wildlife vehicle collisions:

1. Scan both sides of the road as you drive and watch out for wildlife at the edges.
2. Deer are on the move during the full moon when night seems like dawn to them.
3. Wildlife traffic is highest at dusk and for several hours after sunset, and at dawn.
4. Limit driving at night if you can. Reduce your speed when wildlife traffic is highest and when it’s raining or foggy.
5. Deer slow down on wet surfaces to avoid falling.
6. If you hit a deer, call 911, report the incident even if the animal leaves the roadway.Explain the danger to other motorists. Unless the animal is euthanized it dies in agony from its internal injuries.