Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
The end of daylight saving time and the beginning of the white-tailed deer mating season will collide on Pennsylvania roads this fall. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, when we set our clocks back an hour. This will result in increased traffic during dark hours (between dusk and dawn), which also are the peak hours for deer activity. The combination makes deer encounters on the road more likely. The best thing drivers can do to avoid a collision is to slow down and to stay alert for deer. “Deer become more active in autumn with the lead-up to their fall breeding season, commonly referred to as the ‘rut.’ Around this time, many yearling bucks disperse from the areas they were born, traveling considerable distances to find new ranges. “Meanwhile, adult bucks more often are cruising their home ranges in search of does, and might chase the does they encounter,” the Pennsylvania Game Commission said in a news release. Pennsylvania, according to the Game Commission, led the nation in animal-collision insurance claims in the fiscal year 2024-25. “The months of October, November, and December are when deer are moving around the most, and for longer durations during the day,” said Steve Smith, Game Commission executive director, in a news release. “We encourage all drivers to practice safe behaviors and be especially mindful of intensified deer movement at this time of year.” According to State Farm, Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-62 chance of an animal collision. The national average is 1-in-139. Pennsylvania ranks No. 5 for the odds of having an animal collision. West Virginia, Montana, Wisconsin and Michigan are the top four. Here’s how to reduce your risk Stay alert while driving, especially in areas marked with “deer crossing” signs. Recognize that deer often travel in groups and walk single file. If you see one deer, others are likely nearby. Do I have to report an accident with a deer? Drivers are not required to report it to the Game Commission. If the deer is dead, the driver can “claim” the deer after calling the Game Commission to get a free permit number. (833-742-4868 or 833-742-9453) If the driver doesn’t want the deer, a passing motorist may claim it. The call to the Game Commission must be made within 24 hours. When taking the deer, be advised that because of chronic wasting disease regulations, the head and backbone must be removed before transporting the deer outside of a disease management area or established area. What if the deer does not die? If the deer is hit but not killed, drivers should maintain their distance - the deer could recover and move on. If the deer is alive but not moving, drivers should report it to the Game Commission or another law enforcement agency. The Game Commission said that drivers that see a dead deer on state roads can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 800-349-7623 to have it removed.
