ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Monroe County led New York State last year in collisions involving deer, according to a reminder from state transportation and environmental officials urging drivers to use caution this fall.
The New York State DMV and the Department of Environmental Conservation said 1,431 crashes involving deer were recorded in Monroe County in 2024: the most of any county in the state.
Statewide, there were 32,287 crashes involving deer and 7,616 involving other animals, according to data from the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research. The agencies say those numbers spike in October, November and December, when deer are most active.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said deer and moose are “increasingly active this time of year and often cross roadways throughout the state,” adding that their movements peak at dusk and dawn.
The agencies note there are between 1.1 million and 1.3 million white-tailed deer in New York, and roughly 700 moose, mostly in the Adirondacks.
Officials recommend drivers slow down when deer are near roadsides, expect more than one as deer often travel in groups, avoid swerving, use highlights and horns, and use extra caution at dawn and dusk.
Motorists who hit an animal should stay away from it, as wounded deer or moose may lash out, and move their vehicle to a safe place with hazard lights on. Police should be called if the animal is blocking traffic or if the crash causes injury or more than $1,000 in damage.
The DMV and DEC urge drivers to stay alert this season, especially on roads marked with “deer crossing” signs.
More safety tips can be found here.