Deer

Deer-Vehicle Collisions During Fall Breeding Season

Fall is the primary breeding season for deer in Georgia. It is also the time of year when drivers are more likely to encounter deer on roadways, increasing the risk of deer-vehicle collisions, according to research conducted by the University of Georgia.

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

Deer-vehicle collisions increase during the breeding season, commonly referred to as the rut, because white-tailed deer move more frequently while searching for mates. The study's lead researcher, James Stickles, conducted the research while earning a master's degree from the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Stickles noted that peak rut activity varies by location within Georgia and may occur between October and December.

"By knowing deer movement dates in specific areas, email alerts and other warnings can be distributed before and during periods when deer-vehicle collisions are most likely to occur."

In Fulton County, peak deer movement typically occurs between November 10–16.