Deer

Fall is prime breeding season for deer across Georgia. It’s also when drivers are more likely to hit deer that run into the road, according to a new study from the University of Georgia. 

According to the study, between 2005 and 2012, there were 45,811 reported deer-vehicle collisions across all Georgia counties.  

Deer-vehicle collisions increase during “rutting season” because white-tailed deer move around a lot more looking for mates, according to James Stickles, lead researcher on the project. Stickles, who led the study while earning his master’s degree from UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.  

“Depending on your location in Georgia, peak rut may occur anywhere from October to December,” he said. “By knowing deer movement dates in specific areas, email blasts and other warnings to be more vigilant of deer can be distributed before, and during, times when deer-vehicle collisions are most likely to occur.”  For example, the peak time when deer are on the move in Fulton County is Nov. 10-16.