RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Drivers in North Carolina may encounter more deer on the roads this time of year as mating season increases deer activity, particularly during the morning and evening commutes.
The increased movement can have expensive consequences for drivers. Larry Thornburg said he recently hit a deer, and it wasn’t his first encounter.
“This is the second time I’ve hit a deer on this vehicle in the last four or five years,” Tornburg said.
Donald Bowes, who works at an auto body shop, said deer-related vehicles are already coming through the doors.
“This past Monday, we had five come in with us through the weekend,” Bowes said.
Bowes said October, November and December are typically the busiest months for deer-related repairs at the shop. He estimated damage can cost between $5,000 and $12,000 for many of the vehicles he sees.
There’s a reason drivers may be encountering more deer right now.
“This is known as the deer rut, which is basically mating season for deer,” said Falyn Owens, a wildlife extension biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Owens said female deer go into estrus during the rut while males move around looking for mates. That increased movement creates more opportunities for deer to cross roadways.
“Deer don’t really care this time of year whether they’re crossing a road or not,” Owens said. “They’re trying to get to their end goal, and they’re not looking both ways before they cross.”
The timing of that activity can also create problems for commuters.
“Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, and of course those are also the times of day where we have most of our commuting activity,” Owens said.
And encountering deer isn’t limited to rural areas.
Owens said white-tailed deer have adapted well to living in cities and suburbs, particularly in older neighborhoods with trees and bushes.
“Just because you live in the city does not mean that there are not deer,” Owens said. “Always watch out when you’re crossing the road or driving, especially at dawn and dusk.”
Drivers who spot one deer should also be prepared for others nearby.
“If you see a deer on the side of the road, always just assume that there could be more deer,” Owens said. “So, just because one deer has crossed, still slow down and be careful.”
Owens recommends drivers remain alert, particularly around dawn and dusk, and slow down if they see deer near the roadway.
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