DNR cautions drivers to be aware of deer activity

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources ( DNR) Wildlife Resources Division is cautioning the state’s drivers to take extra care during the fall season, a time of peak deer activity, according to a DNR press release.

“Motorists should be alert and pay close attention to the roadsides as we are nearing the annual peak time of the year for deer-car collisions,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division. “The rise in deer activity around roads can be especially dangerous to drivers when coupled with other risks or distractions, such as texting or operating electronics driving.”

There are two main reasons why drivers may see more deer along roads in the fall: Mating season and time changes.

Deer mating season occurs between October and late December, depending on location. Male deer begin rutting and begin actively searching for mates. This behavior results in an increase in deer movement, bringing them across roadways.

With the time change to daylight savings time, days become shorter and nights become longer. Rush hour for most commuters tends to fall during the same hours in which white- tailed deer are most active, at dawn and dusk, the while release said.

The DNR offered tips and information to help avoid potential collisions.

First, always remember deer are wild and therefore can be unpredictable. A deer calmly standing on the side of a road may bolt into or across the road rather than away from it when startled by a vehicle. Also, one deer usually means more. Always take caution and slow down when a deer crosses the road in front of you. Deer usually travel in groups, so it is likely that others will follow.

Georgia’s new deer rut map, which can be viewed at www. georgiawildlife. com/ rut-map is an excellent tool for motorists to determine local peaks in deer movement.