TOMS RIVER — State officials are warning drivers to stay alert for white-tailed deer crossing local roads as the annual fall mating season, or rut, gets underway — a time when deer activity and vehicle collisions typically spike.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation said the risk of crashes increases as daylight hours decrease and deer become more active, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
“Most vehicle collisions involving deer happen during the fall mating season,” said Dave Golden, Assistant Commissioner for NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. “We urge drivers to be especially cautious and alert to the possibility of deer suddenly appearing in roadways.”
Peak rutting season in New Jersey runs from late October through mid-December. Officials noted that the end of daylight saving time at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, will mean many drivers’ commutes coincide with peak deer activity and reduced visibility.
Motorists are encouraged to slow down, especially near wooded areas and open fields, and to watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Drivers should also use high beams when possible, avoid swerving to miss deer, and report collisions to local police.
Officials advise that if a deer crosses the road, others may follow. They also remind drivers to always wear seatbelts, avoid distractions, and obey the state’s hands-free device law.
For information about white-tailed deer and hunting regulations in New Jersey, visit dep.nj.gov/njfw. Real-time traffic updates are available at 511nj.org.
