MoDOT: Watch for deer on the roads in October and November

Fall is here, which means deer and other wildlife are on the move as temperatures cool and nights grow longer. Most game attacks with vehicles occur in October and November and between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. and between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals on Missouri roads during the fall months.

“During the breeding season, which begins in October and peaks in mid-November, deer increase their movements,” said Jason Isabelle, deer biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). “For this reason, drivers should be particularly careful at this time of year.”

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri consistently ranks 10thTh until 15Th Clashes with deer occur in the country every year. In 2023, Missouri drivers experienced 3,591 crashes involving deer. A deer strike occurred approximately every 2 hours and 30 minutes in the state. These accidents resulted in four deaths and 420 people were injured.

Vehicle strikes don’t just happen in rural areas. Deer often live in groups, even in populated areas.

Here are some tips to stay alert:

• Be alert after a close encounter or if you see a single deer as there are likely more of them.
• To avoid hitting a deer, always be careful and scan both sides of the road regularly.
• Pay attention to the reflection of deer eyes in vehicle headlights and drive slower so that you can more easily react to their presence.
• Never yield to animals on the road as this could result in loss of control of the vehicle and serious injury or death.

Under Missouri law, a person who has struck and killed a deer with their vehicle may claim ownership of the deer carcass if written permission to possess the deer is provided by an MDC agent. The Wildlife Disposition Form is free, but MDC must be contacted to obtain the permit.

“No one should ever jeopardize their safety by attempting to remove an animal from a busy area. Instead, contact MoDOT’s customer service line at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636),” said Darin Hamelink, State Maintenance Engineer for MoDOT. “Emergency responders will attend to any animal or debris that poses a safety risk, meaning the item is in the traffic lanes. Crews will safely tow the large animal debris to the outer portion of the grassy roadside, outside of any active drainage ditches or canals.”

If a deer is on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal weekday work hours. MoDOT crews will not be called out after hours to remove an item unless it poses a traffic safety risk in a lane. MoDOT does not employ specialized crews to remove dead animals from roadways or to remove injured animals Give order. If a deer is struck on a state-maintained road and is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it is impeding mail delivery or is in the neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop.