DEP REMINDS MOTORISTS TO BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS ON ROADWAYS AS DEER MATING SEASON BEGINS, DAYLIGHT HOURS GET SHORTER

(19/P086) TRENTON – Drivers are urged to use extra caution and watch for white-tailed deer as deer mating season gets under way and darkness arrives earlier, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

White-tailed deer become more active during mating season, also known as the fall rut. Deer are more likely apt to suddenly run onto roadways during this time of year as bucks pursue does, risking the possibility of colliding with a vehicle. Increased deer activity is more likely to occur in the very early morning and around sunset, when visibility may be difficult.

“Deer are involved in thousands of collisions with motor vehicles in New Jersey each year, with the highest number occurring during the fall mating season,” Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Dave Golden said. “We urge all motorists to be especially alert to the possibility of deer suddenly darting onto roadways and to be aware of things they can do to reduce the risk of a collision and possible serious injury to themselves or their passengers.”

Being extra vigilant for deer will become even more important when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3. Most commutes will then align with the periods when deer are most active, and lighting conditions may be the most difficult for driving.

Reduced lighting and sun glare can make it very difficult for drivers to see deer that are about to cross the road. In addition, multiple deer may cross the road at any moment, usually in single file.

Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October throughout November and into mid-December in all areas of the state.

These tips can help drivers stay safe during the fall rut:

To report a deer carcass on an interstate or state highway, call 1-800-POTHOLE (1-800-768-4653) or go the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s website and fill out an online form. For deer carcasses on county roads, click this link for a list of phone numbers for each county.

For more information about white-tailed deer in New Jersey, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/deer.htm.

Like the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NJFishandWildlife/.

Follow the Division of Fish and Wildlife on Instagram @newjerseyfishandwildlife.

Follow the DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP.

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