DEP and Police Warn of Deer in the Roadways this Fall

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is urging motorists to be alert for white-tailed deer on roads across the state with the arrival of the fall breeding season, especially during morning and evening commutes when visibility may be poor and deer are more active.

“White-tailed deer are on the move and unpredictable during this season,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda. “Deer are much more likely to dart into roads without warning at this time of year. Drivers should be extra alert to avoid collisions that could result in injuries and damage to their vehicles.”

Deer movements related to breeding are beginning now and will pick up in the coming weeks. Studies indicate the peak of the mating season in New Jersey occurs in late October and throughout November and December in all regions of the state - including Woodbridge.

Triggered by shorter days and cooler weather, deer disperse and move around considerably as they search for mates. Deer behavior is likely to be sudden and unpredictable.

In many instances, deer will wander closer to and onto roadways. They may suddenly stop in the middle of a road, crossing and even re-crossing it. The danger is particularly pronounced at dawn and dusk when many people are commuting to and from work. Visibility resulting from low light or sun glare may be difficult during these times.

Commuters should be especially alert and drive with additional caution when daylight saving time ends on Nov. 4. Normal driver commuting times will more closely align with peak deer activity periods after this time.

“This is a tricky time of year for drivers,’’ said DEP Supervising Wildlife Biologist Carol Stanko. “There are probably as many deer killed in New Jersey each year by cars and trucks than as by hunters.’’

There are an estimated 110,000 white-tailed deer in huntable areas of New Jersey, but there also are an uncounted number of deer in other places where hunting is not allowed. There were 30,866 deer struck by vehicles in the state in 2010, according to an insurance industry estimate, which is considered to be conservative in its count.

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