Press Releases

October 30, 2008
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

SAFETY ADVISORY

Watch Out for Deer!

MILWAUKEE – Whether you are heading to the polls or just driving home from dinner, the Wisconsin Humane Society wants you to avoid roadway collisions with deer.

White-tailed deer are in the midst of their mating season, which means they are frolicking around in great numbers. November is a peak month for deer/vehicle collisions on Wisconsin’s roadways and about 45,000 deer are victims of car crashes. Stay safe and help deer by following these helpful tips from WHS Wildlife Manager, Scott Diehl:

• Stay alert – watch for deer near roadways.
• Slow down whenever you see deer near roadways – they are very unpredictable.
• Slow down in deer crossing zones – the signs are posted there for good reason.
• Use your high-beams when driving at night when there is no opposing traffic.
• Maintain your vehicle’s brakes and tires in good condition.
• Avoid swerving out of your lane to miss a deer – this could cause your car to strike an oncoming car or to leave the roadway, possibly causing a roll-over.
• Watch for more than one deer – deer often travel in groups.
• Avoid frightening deer – deer who wander into neighborhoods are often very frightened and unpredictable. Making loud noises or chasing them may cause them to run into traffic or even jump through a window! Deer in neighborhoods will usually find their way out of difficulty if left undisturbed overnight.

If you have questions about a deer that seems to be in distress in Milwaukee County, call the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at (414) 431-6204.

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