500,000 car collisions with Deer occur in the USA annually--But heaven forbid we put wolves and Cougars in the woods to assist the Bears and Coyotes in reducing "Bambi"

A motorist on her way to work sees a white-tailed doe bound across the highway several hundred yards in front of her. Captivated by the animal's beauty, she watches it disappear into the woods. Returning her attention to the highway, she is startled to see a mature buck leaping into her lane. She swerves to avoid the animal, a dangerous maneuver.

This scenario has several possible outcomes. If the motorist is lucky, she will miss the deer without losing control of her vehicle. However, for nearly half a million Americans each year, such encounters end in accidents.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the national average for damage from a deer-vehicle accident is over $2,000. Ten thousand people are injured each year, and 100 people die each year in such accidents.

Deer-vehicle accidents can happen any time of year, but they are most likely to occur in October, November or December. The reason is "the rut," the time of year when deer mating occurs.
During this period, deer are restless. Bucks may be active 24 hours a day, constantly on the move in search of receptive females. This pursuit keeps does on the move, too, increasing the frequency of deer crossing roads.

During the rut, deer focus so intently on the opposite sex, they sometimes disregard dangers that would normally make them stop, look and listen. That's why it's important for motorists to be extra alert during this time of year.

Some patterns of deer behavior help motorists avoid accidents. Deer are more likely to be out and about between dusk and dawn. When you drive early or late in the day, you should be aware of the increased danger.

Deer will be more active before a weather change. If "nasty weather" is in the forecast, watch for deer to increase their activity. Usually all animals will be scurrying to gather food before the weather gets bad.

Deer often travel in groups. Seeing one deer should serve as a warning that more may be nearby. If you see a deer, slow down immediately in case others appear.

Deer-vehicle accidents are more likely to occur where roads pass through natural travel corridors, such as streams or wooded valleys.

The Department of Conservation offers the following suggestions to reduce the risk of deer-related accidents:
• Use high-beam headlights, which reflect in deer eyes, making them easier to see.
• When you see a deer along the road, slow down and honk your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path. Do not swerve. This can confuse the deer about where to run. It can also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
• Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in deer-vehicle accidents are not wearing seat belts.
• If you strike a deer with your car, get your vehicle off the road, and call the appropriate authorities. Don't approach an injured animal. It could hurt you.
• Immediately report any injury or damage to your insurance agent or company.

Armed with these suggestions, you should be a more cautious driver during the peak activity periods. However, the most informed person in the world may not be able to avoid the 180 pound buck that has "other things" on his mind. Be careful and keep your eyes scanning the roadside for the blue-green glare of the white-tails eyes.