B.C. warns drivers to watch out for deer during peak mating season
Posted November 12, 2023 6:37 pm.
Last Updated November 13, 2023 7:04 am.
The province is warning drivers to watch out for particularly rambunctious male deer this November.
The annual mating season for deer, also known as “rutting season,” peaks in November, says B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation, and so does the number of deer-vehicle collisions.
In their lustful state, the ministry says male deer can quickly lose awareness of their surroundings as they prepare to challenge and fight other males to “secure the object of their affection.”
“When the rut is on, all bets are off and travelers on BC highways need to pay extra attention,” states the ministry on its website.
The ministry says during the rut, deer are most active at night and can run in front of a vehicle at any time. It adds deer-vehicle accidents can cause serious injuries or losses of life.
To avoid a collision, the ministry advises drivers to expect deer to travel in groups, watch for deer crossing signs, use highbeams, be alert around wooded areas and always wear a seatbelt.
It adds drivers should not swerve to avoid hitting a deer as that can lead to other serious collisions, and drivers should try frightening the animal with a long horn blast if one appears on the road.
