Deer on the move – traffic crashes often a result

It’s that time of year again. It’s mating season for white tailed deer so that means the frisky four legged animals become extra active.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is urging drivers to stay alert and keep an eye out for deer on roadways, and says deer are most active during early morning and evening hours.

Last year there were over 16,000 crashes involving deer in the state, where 14 people died and 585 people were injured. The DOT says with warmer than normal temperatures, its possible we could see more motorcycle vs deer crashes.

Wisconsin ranked 8th in the state last year with 571 deer related crashes. Several other neighboring counties made the top 10 list with Washington County at number 3 with 763 crashes, Sheboygan at number 4 with 712, and Winnebago at number 10 with 476.

The WisDOT says if you do hit a deer, get your car off the road if possible. If someone is hurt or the deer remains in the road, call 911. If no one is hurt and the deer is off the road, contact the non emergency line. They also say to not try and move an injured deer.