Agency cautions drivers to be alert for deer

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty cautions motorists to be on the lookout for deer as western New York enters the peak season for deer-vehicle collisions.

Last year, State law enforcement agencies reported 9,253 deer were killed in vehicle collisions on New York roadways, a decline of 1,229 from the previous year.

"The deer population is estimated at nearly one million in New York state, and during the late fall and early winter, there is a greater likelihood that deer may wander onto roadways, creating hazards for drivers," Commissioner Crotty said. "All motorists should be alert for deer, especially during dawn and dusk when commuter traffic is at its highest volume."

According to statistics compiled by DEC since 1985, the peak period for deer-vehicle collisions is October through December, which is mating season for deer. Nearly two-thirds of the annual collisions are reported during this three-month period, with most of the collisions occurring between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

St. Lawrence County, which contains more land area than any other county in New York, reported 728 deer-vehicle collisions, the most in the state. Oneida County ranked second, with 559 collisions. There were 339 reports in Monroe County; 133 in Orleans County and 141 in Genesee Country.

A Cornell University Study calculated that there may be as many as six times the amount of deer-vehicle accidents as the number of reported accidents resulting in deer fatalities.

DEC is continuing to explore strategies to manage the state's large deer population and reduce the number of deer-vehicle collisions. For example, this year, DEC issued a greater number of Deer Management Permits, which allow hunters to take antlerless deer in designated areas of the state.

Along with these efforts, DEC strongly advises motorists to take the following precautions to prevent deer-vehicle collisions:

•Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, especially from late October through December and when visibility is poor.

•Slow down when approaching deer that are standing near the roadside since they may bolt at the last minute.

•If you see a deer cross the road, be alert for others that may follow.

•Use flashers to warn other drivers when you spot deer.

•Be alert and use extreme caution when traveling through deer crossing areas.