It’s autumn and in our forests and across our mountains, tensions are rising as the rutting or
deer breeding season gets under way, the time of the year when male deer are driven by an
urge to reproduce. From late September until early November the clash of antlers will be
heard as males show off their virility to potential mates and, like gladiators entering an arena,
they parade around showing off their armoury of antlers.
While the rut is an amazing experience to witness it is also a time when there is an increased incident
of road traffic accidents involving deer as male deer go in search of females and younger males are
ousted by dominant males forcing deer to cross public roads and motorways.
The Irish Deer Commission are calling on motorists to be vigilant at dawn and dusk, when
deer are most active, particularly in high risk areas such as woodlands and mountains. What
should drivers do in high risk areas? Reduce speed where they see a warning sign and stay
alert. Prepare to stop, never swerve as you could hit another obstacle or oncoming vehicle.
When you see a deer “dip your headlights” as the full beam may cause the deer to freeze. If
a deer has crossed in front of your vehicle, be aware that others may follow. Do not
approach an injured deer.
If you are involved in a road traffic accident involving a deer or come across a deer that has
been involved in a road traffic accident, immediately contact the local Gardaí. The Irish Deer
Commission operate a humane deer dispatch scheme with 135 trained volunteers assisting
agencies and charities who deal with an increasing number of deer vehicle collisions
nationally.
M9 Motorway Co Kildare after a collision with a Sika stag
For further details on how to apply for IDC membership CLICK HERE