WATCH OUT FOR DEER!
 

It’s that time of year to remind everyone to be extra careful and watch out for deer!  Since January 1st, the count of deer picked up by Animal Care & Control is up to 525...compared to 471 on this date last year!     

                                                            Year    Count

                                                            2001    436

                                                            2002    363 

                                                            2003    472

                                                            2004    440

                                                            2005    352

                                                            2006    387

                                                            2007    366

                                                            2008    604

                                                            2009*  525

*(From January 1 thru November 18)

 List of roads with a large number of deer pickups:

Appling Harlem Highway
Columbia Road
Fury's Ferry Road
Halali Farm Road
Hardy-McManus Road
Harlem Grovetown Road
Hereford Farm Road
Louisville Road
N. Belair Road
Ray Owens Road
Tubman Road
Washington Road
William Few Parkway
Wrightsboro Road

Avoiding Deer / Vehicle Collisions

The explosion in the deer population has lead to a continuing increase in deer-vehicle collisions. This trend will only increase as the deer population grows and urban habitats continue to encroach upon rural environments. Most accidents occur between October and December during breeding season, and more than half take place between 5pm and midnight.

Drive defensively to avoid hitting a deer by following these tips:

·         Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise.

·         Drive with caution when moving through deer crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland.

·         Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.

·         When driving at night, use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of the deer near the roadway.

·         Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.

·         Break firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.

·         Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in deer-vehicle collisions were not wearing their seat belt.

·         Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences, and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.