New York’s fall deer rut is turning roads across the state into hazardous territory for drivers.
As mating season intensifies, deer become more active and frequently cross the Empire State’s highways and local roads. The seasonal surge contributes to an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 vehicle collisions annually, according to the New York State Department of Transportation, which has launched a new public awareness campaign.
“Deer don’t check traffic. They don’t use crosswalks and apparently their friends give awful advice,” the NYDOT said in its campaign messaging.
About 40% to 43% of deer-related crashes occur between October and December, when the animals’ breeding season reaches its peak.
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A collision with a deer at speeds approaching 60 mph can have fatal consequences. These crashes claim about five lives during a typical season.
The adult male white-tailed deer, New York’s most common deer species, generally weighs 150 to 300 pounds. Larger bucks can exceed 350 pounds and, in some cases, approach 400 pounds.
New York is home to roughly 900,000 deer. The NYDOT recommends that motorists follow these precautions: