Stay Safe: What Every Pennsylvania Driver Needs to Know About Fall’s Deer Danger

A deer crossing the roadPhoto by Wild Shots By Irina on Pexels.com

HARRISBURG, PA — As autumn progresses, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is alerting motorists to heightened deer activity, a natural occurrence during the fall breeding season known as the “rut.” This period sees deer, particularly bucks, becoming more mobile as they search for mates, which significantly increases the risk of deer-vehicle collisions.

The end of daylight-saving time on November 3 will further contribute to this risk, as it results in increased vehicular traffic during dusk and dawn—peak hours for deer movement. Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Game Commission, emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance among drivers: “As the rut approaches, whitetails are ramping up their activity levels and expanding their home ranges. We would like to encourage all drivers to be extra mindful of intensified deer movement this time of year.”

Statistics underscore the seriousness of the situation. Pennsylvania leads the nation in animal-collision insurance claims for the fiscal year 2023-24. The likelihood of Pennsylvania drivers encountering a large animal on the road is approximately 1 in 61, placing the state among the highest risk areas nationwide.

To mitigate these risks, the Game Commission advises drivers to maintain heightened awareness, especially in areas marked with “Deer Crossing” signs. Understanding deer behavior is crucial; deer typically move in groups, and a single deer crossing the road often means others are nearby.

In the event of a collision with a deer, drivers are not required to report the accident to the Game Commission. However, if the deer is killed, Pennsylvania residents can claim the carcass by contacting the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD to obtain a free permit number. This must be done within 24 hours of taking possession of the deer.

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Moreover, residents claiming road-killed deer should be aware of regulations concerning Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which restrict the removal of specific deer parts, such as the head and backbone, from designated Disease Management Areas (DMA) or Established Areas (EA). These parts must be removed before the deer is transported outside these zones.

If a deer is struck but not killed, it is advised to maintain a safe distance, as some deer may recover and move on independently. In cases where the deer remains on the road or poses a safety threat, reporting the incident to the Game Commission or law enforcement is recommended. Should the deer require euthanization, the appropriate authorities will be directed to handle the situation.

For the removal of deceased deer from state roads, motorists can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

As deer activity increases, the Game Commission’s advisories serve as a critical reminder for drivers to exercise caution and attentiveness on the roads, helping to reduce the risks of accidents and ensure safety for all.

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