What is what to do when you see a deer?

Here's what to do when you see a deer:

• While Driving:

  • Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially during dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
  • Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly. Give yourself more time to react.
  • Scan the Sides of the Road: Deer often travel in groups, so if you see one, expect others nearby.
  • Don't Swerve: Swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and potentially hit something worse like another car or tree. Brake firmly and try to stay in your lane. It's generally safer to hit the deer than to risk a more serious accident. See hitting a deer.
  • Use Your Horn: A short, sharp blast of your horn may startle the deer and encourage it to move away from the road.
  • High Beams: Use your high beams at night when there is no oncoming traffic to increase visibility.
  • After a Collision: If you hit a deer, pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and assess the damage to your vehicle. Report the accident to the police or animal control if necessary or required by law. Do not approach the deer, as it may be injured and unpredictable.

• While Hiking or Walking:

  • Observe from a Distance: Appreciate the deer from afar. Do not approach or attempt to touch it.
  • Avoid Feeding: Feeding deer can make them dependent on humans and alter their natural behavior, and increase deer population.
  • Keep Pets Leashed: If you're walking your dog, keep it on a leash to prevent it from chasing or harassing the deer. Chasing deer can harm them and potentially cause them to run into traffic or other dangers.
  • Make Noise: When hiking in areas with deer, make some noise (talk, sing, or clap your hands) to alert them to your presence. This can help prevent them from being startled, which can lead to them running into your path.
  • Be Aware During Mating Season (Rut): Bucks (male deer) can become aggressive during the rut. Give them extra space and be especially cautious.

• General Precautions:

  • Deer-Resistant Landscaping: If you live in an area with a high deer population, consider planting deer-resistant plants in your yard to minimize their attraction to your property.
  • Fencing: A tall fence can help keep deer out of your garden or yard.
  • Report Injured Deer: If you find an injured deer, contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center. Do not attempt to handle it yourself.