PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — A survey conducted by World Population Review suggests this cute, fluffy-tailed woodland creature is the deadliest animal in Pennsylvania.
The whitetail deer has been credited with the most human fatalities of any animal found in the Keystone State, the survey found.
Deer are not known for their aggressive behavior or vicious biting. However, they are known for their propensity to cross busy roadways without any regard for the flow of traffic.
Between 2021 and 2025, deer have caused 78 fatalities due to crashes on Pennsylvania roadways.
Deer have caused nearly 80 fatal crashes on Pennsylvania roadways between 2021 and 2025 (PennDOT)
Peaking at 26 in 2023, the numbers have come down each of the last three years, but have not fallen into single digits since 2022, according to PennDOT data.
PennDOT data shows that more than 30,600 crashes were caused by deer in this same time frame, marking a fatality rate of 0.3%.
Deer have caused nearly 80 fatal crashes on Pennsylvania roadways between 2021 and 2025 (PennDOT)
The number of deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania has been on the rise since 2020, with 2024’s total of 6,426 setting a five-year high, according to PennDOT data.
In the data sample, crash totals have been drastically elevated since 2023, with the highest mark being recorded in 2024.
However, from 2021-2025, around 6,850 crashes led to injury, or a little over 22% of total crashes.
Deer have caused nearly 80 fatal crashes on Pennsylvania roadways between 2021 and 2025 (PennDOT)
Still, the data trend is consistent, with a spike starting in 2023 and holding steady through 2025.
“While we can’t control deer movement, we can control our actions behind the wheel and put ourselves in the best position possible to avoid these types of crashes,” said Mike Tautin, a community traffic safety project coordinator with the Highway Safety Network. “Start by eliminating all potential distractions. Set your music and GPS before you leave and always keep your eyes on the road so you can react to the unexpected, which can oftentimes be a deer or other animal crossing in front of you.”
Deer tend to travel in small herds and have typically been the most active between sunset and sunrise, according to PennDOT. During these low-light times, deer often search for food.
The following safety recommendations have been issued by government officials to help prevent deer-related crashes:
Slow down and be alert, especially where deer crossing signs are posted.Increase the following distance between vehicles.Make new drivers aware of increased deer movement and common crossing spots.Exercise caution when one deer crosses the roadway and be on the lookout for more that could be coming behind it.Always wear your seat belt. It is your best protection against death or serious injury if you are involved in a crash.Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.Turn your headlights on whenever using your wipers to maximize visibility.
Drivers should be extra cautious during morning and evening commutes, PennDOT advised.