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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM CAUTIONS DRIVERS TO BE ALERT FOR DEER CROSSING ROADWAYS DURING THE RUT (MATING SEASON) PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is advising motorists to be alert for deer, particularly at dawn and dusk. The deer mating season is currently underway, and will continue through November and much of December. Deer tend to move around more frequently during this time, and November is typically the peak period for road kills.With shorter daylight hours, many commuters are on area roads during the dawn and dusk hours, when deer tend to be most active. Many of those deer live and roam in suburban and urban areas. Deer dart out suddenly and often travel together, according to DEM, so motorists should watch for any other deer that may try to cross the road, following the first one. DEM cautions that motorists should slow down while driving at dawn and dusk, use high beams when possible, and always use seat belts, since most injuries occur to drivers who are not belted. Brian Tefft, principal wildlife biologist with DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, says that that the best way to prevent a collision is to remain alert while driving. Some people report success blowing the horn in one long blast while other drivers report success with 'deer whistles,' although studies have not proven their effectiveness, he noted. Most drivers are simply not able to react in time to avoid hitting a darting deer, despite best efforts. Swerving suddenly to avoid the deer can result in a more severe accident, as drivers lose control by crashing into oncoming traffic or going off the road. The best approach is to slow down at night in areas where deer are common; if a deer does suddenly appear, drivers should use controlled braking to avoid or minimize a direct impact with the animal. Deer struck head-on will succumb, but the driver and passengers might be saved from a more serious potential outcome. Anyone who strikes a deer should exercise caution when approaching a deer that has been hit, as it may only be stunned, and a person could become seriously injured by a wounded animal's attempt to escape. In accordance with state law, any deer-vehicle collision must be reported to DEM's 24-hour dispatch office at 222-3070, as well as to local police and the driver's insurance company. Though small consolation, the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident may choose to keep the deer with a permit from DEM. The owner may request a permit when calling the 24-hour dispatch office to report the accident. Nine hundred ninety-three auto strikes had been reported through September in Rhode Island this year, with high numbers reported in North Kingstown (76), Cumberland /Lincoln (56), Coventry (51), Glocester (42), and Tiverton/Little Compton (34). Deer/vehicle collisions occur throughout the state and at least one strike has been reported so far this year in every Rhode Island city and town. According to statistics from DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, a total of 1,118 deer were killed statewide by vehicles last year. Factors such as food supply can reduce or increase the number of strikes that take place because these factors may limit deer movement. For example, an abundant crop of acorns can reduce the movement of deer in search of food — and resulting collisions with vehicles — by providing a readily available food source. Although we are experiencing an average acorn crop this year, acorns are still abundant in many locations, so this could possibly reduce the number of collisions with vehicles in certain areas. -30- |
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