Deer mating season is right around the corner, which means deer will travel across roads in often unpredictable patterns at all times of the day and night in search of a mate. I read the notice from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources news page, which confirmed that most other wildlife are also more active at this time of year as they search for food to prepare for the coming winter. The agency urges drivers to stay alert and slow down, especially during dawn and dusk.
Maryland sees thousands of deer-vehicle collisions each year, with the peak centered on the fall breeding season from October through December. The DNR notes that collisions are most likely to occur on roads that cut through wooded areas or near farmland, where deer populations are densest. Drivers should watch for deer crossing signs and be prepared to stop, even if only one deer is visible, because they often travel in groups.
What Homeowners Can Do
For those living in Maryland with a yard near deer habitat, the increased activity means more than just road risk. Deer may wander into residential areas looking for mates, which can lead to garden damage or close encounters with pets. One practical step is to make your property less attractive by removing fallen fruit and securing trash bins, and if you have concerns about other wildlife, I have a guide on easy steps to snake-proof your yard that can also reduce hiding spots for rodents deer might attract. The DNR also recommends drivers avoid sudden swerves to miss a deer, as that can cause more serious crashes, and instead brake firmly and stay in their lane.
The notice is published by Maryland Department of Natural Resources news at news.maryland.gov.
