Deer activity near roads is a concern for state officials

Peak season has arrived for deer activity on Kentucky roads, and drivers are reminded to stay alert for wildlife, as state transportation officials issued their annual Antler Alert on Monday.

State officials say nearly half of wildlife collisions occur during the last three months of the year.   

“We see deer-related crashes rise sharply this time of year,” said State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. “Last November we had more than 700 wildlife collisions, the highest of any month. Drivers should be extra alert, especially at dawn and dusk, and slow down in areas where deer are likely to cross. A moment of caution can prevent a serious crash.”

According to Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, deer movement is near peak activity when the rut, otherwise known as mating season, begins at the end of October and continues through December.

“Deer activity peaks in the fall not only because of the rut, but also because their food sources and cover change as the seasons shift,” McDermott stated. “As foliage disappears and crops are harvested, deer are more likely to travel greater distances and cross roadways in search of food and shelter. That means drivers should expect to encounter deer almost anywhere, anytime this season.”

In Kentucky, there were 3,406 highway crashes in 2024 that reported a vehicle striking a deer, up nearly 180 over the previous year and the highest recorded in the last five years. Six people were killed as a result of those collisions, three more than the previous year, and 22 were seriously injured, which was a decrease from last year. 

Hopkins County saw the highest number of reported crashes last year – 133. Half of the top 10 counties with the most crashes were in western Kentucky. A list of crash counts by county are available here.

Drivers are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to law enforcement. Transportation Cabinet traffic engineers use the crash data to aid in placing deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures.