SILVER SPRING, MD—The Montgomery County Department of Parks and Montgomery County Deer Management Work Group remind county residents that it is peak time for deer-vehicle collisions in the county. Deer breeding season runs from mid-October to January, with peak activity the first three weeks of November. During this time deer are more active than usual and less wary of their surroundings, posing a greater than normal danger on the roads.
“The time change from daylight savings to standard time moves the peak of the evening commute into the hours of dusk, a time when deer are especially active and can be difficult to see,” cautioned Rob Gibbs, natural resources manager for the Montgomery County Department of Parks and chair of the county’s Deer Management Work Group.
Driving in Deer Country Tips
- Most importantly, drive the speed limit.
- At night reduce speeds below the limit, especially during precipitation or fog.
- Keep in mind deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
- Watch for deer where roads pass through wooded or rural areas.
- As you drive, scan roadsides for the eye shine of deer.
- Deer crossing signs indicate where heavily used deer trails cross roadways. Slow down and watch for the eye shine of deer near road edges.
- Deer usually travel in groups. If you see a deer cross the road, slow down and use caution; more are likely to follow.
- Be especially cautious during seasons of high deer activity including October to January—breeding season and May and June—when yearlings are seeking new territories.
Tips for When a Deer is Suddenly in Front of Your Car
- The most important thing to remember is to maintain control of your car.
- Apply the brakes in a controlled manner.
- Deer are quick and agile animals; it is more likely that they will leap out of your path than that you will be able to brake and steer around them.
- Don’t skid out of control, leave the road, or worst of all, swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid the deer—this is when the most serious injuries occur.
- Think ahead and practice an appropriate reaction. These circumstances can arise quickly allowing very little time to react. When drivers see a deer crossing sign, think about what to do if a deer suddenly jumped into the road, mentally practice keeping a cool head and reacting in a controlled fashion.
Throughout the 1990s, the number of deer-vehicle collisions rose dramatically as both deer and human populations increased in Montgomery County. Since the year 2000, the number of accidents has leveled off and declined slightly, but still remains high. Montgomery County Police reported 1,867 deer-vehicle collisions last year. However, not all accidents are reported.
Tips for Deer in Your Yard
- The Montgomery County Deer Management Work Group offers free workshops, co-sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service and Montgomery County Department of Parks, for homeowner groups suffering deer damage to their landscaping.
- Using defensive landscaping, repellents, fencing and other methods can control deer damage around the home and keep deer out of your yard.
- Civic and homeowner associations that would like to schedule a free workshop can call (301) 590-2809 or (301) 949-2909.
For more information on deer in Montgomery County, see www.ParksDeerManagement.org.
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Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
(301) 650-2866