Ghost
Life Member
Drivers Urged to Watch for Deer on Iowa Roads
Posted: May 16, 2006
DES MOINES - Although the number of deer - vehicle collisions declined last year, drivers should be aware that the period from late May to the middle of June is the second worst time of the year for deer collisions behind only the November rut. Collisions are more likely to occur at dawn or dusk when deer are normally more active.
During late spring, the does will be driving off yearlings as they prepare to have fawns. These young deer are inexperienced and often wander on to roadways as they seek out a new territory. Deer that had been following their mother's lead now are on their own and their behavior can be unpredictable as they gain experience with their new surroundings.
Watch carefully for deer, said Willie Suchy, state deer biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "If you see one deer, look for more."
Efforts to like horn honking and blinking lights are not effective for driving deer from the road, Suchy said. "Expect erratic behavior. These young deer may return to the road after they have safely crossed. Slow down and drive with care."
Posted: May 16, 2006
DES MOINES - Although the number of deer - vehicle collisions declined last year, drivers should be aware that the period from late May to the middle of June is the second worst time of the year for deer collisions behind only the November rut. Collisions are more likely to occur at dawn or dusk when deer are normally more active.
During late spring, the does will be driving off yearlings as they prepare to have fawns. These young deer are inexperienced and often wander on to roadways as they seek out a new territory. Deer that had been following their mother's lead now are on their own and their behavior can be unpredictable as they gain experience with their new surroundings.
Watch carefully for deer, said Willie Suchy, state deer biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "If you see one deer, look for more."
Efforts to like horn honking and blinking lights are not effective for driving deer from the road, Suchy said. "Expect erratic behavior. These young deer may return to the road after they have safely crossed. Slow down and drive with care."
