Pa Game Commission advises motorists to be cautious as deer activity increases
Metro Creative
Metro CreativePennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-62 chance of hitting a deer, according to the state Game Commission.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is urging drivers to slow down and stay alert because deer are becoming increasingly more active this time of year.
“The months of October, November, and December are when deer are moving around the most, and for longer durations during the day,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “We encourage all drivers to practice safe behaviors and be especially mindful of intensified deer movement at this time of year.”
Officials said deer are typically more on the move in the autumn leading up to their breeding season, commonly called the “rut.” During this time, yearling bucks travel dozens of miles to find new ranges while adult bucks are searching for does.
When daylight-saving time ends Nov. 2, there also will be increased auto traffic around dusk and dawn – the peak hours for deer activity.
“We see deer all year-round now. We’re already seeing a lot (of collisions), but it really intensifies at daylight savings because everyone’s driving when the deer are moving,” said Doug Stewart, owner of Stewart Collision Service in Uniontown. “Next week, we’ll be seeing a lot more.”
According to data from around the country, Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest risks of hitting a deer, leading the nation in animal-collision insurance claims for the fiscal year 2024-25.
Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-62 chance of hitting a deer or big game animal, which is more than double the national average of 1-in-139. Drivers in only West Virginia, Montana, Wisconsin and Michigan strike big-game animals more often.
Kevin Haberstroh, general manager of Prime Collision Center in Washington, said the shop handles deer accidents throughout the year, but is bracing for an increase in business through fall.
“In the fall, I’d say it quadruples,” said Haberstroh, adding that Pennsylvania’s hunting season also plays a factor. “When the hunters go into the woods, the deer run out of the woods and run onto the road, and that can cause accidents.”
He said vehicles are more expensive to repair today, too, due to advanced equipment such as cameras, lane change sensors, and other high-tech components.
The game commission advises drivers to stay alert, especially on roads marked with “Deer Crossing” signs. Deer often travel in groups and walk single file, so even if one deer successfully crosses the road in front of a driver, another could be right behind it.
Drivers know to pay attention while driving on rural roads, but they should also be keeping their hands on ten and two, even through the city.
“We’ve had drivers hit deer in downtown Uniontown at 3 in the afternoon, but usually, it’s early mornings and evenings when you have to be especially cautious,” said Stewart. “The rules of trying to miss hitting deer are right on the money. It’s when you drive, where, and what speed. Usually, it’s dark and visibility is low, and you don’t see them until they’re on you.”
Stewart said most damage is to the front end of the car, and the extent of damage can range from minor to a totaled car.
“There definitely are total losses caused by deer hits. There are various degrees of damage, from a bumper cover needing replaced to a total loss,” he said.
If a driver hits a deer, they are not required to report the accident to the Game Commission. Pennsylvania residents may claim the carcass, but need to contact the commission within 24 hours if they do.
If a deer is struck by a vehicle, but not killed, drivers are urged to maintain their distance because some deer might recover and move on.
To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
Said Haberstroh, “Be extra careful this time of year.”