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LEWISTOWN -- Motorists are urged to be on the lookout for deer because more of them might be crossing Juniata Valley roadways.
Pennsylvania Game Commission officials said deer become more active in the fall with the lead-up to the season known as "rut," which is when they mate.
There is also more traffic between dusk and dawn - considered the peak hours for deer activity - now that daylight saving time has ended.
According to one insurance expert, Pennsylvania ranked first in the country for animal collision claims from July 2022 through June 2023. The average motorist has a 1-in-59 chance of having a motor vehicle accident with a big game animal. Accidents with deer proved to be the cause of the majority of claims.
There were 3,485 deer-related accidents reported to Pennsylvania State Police in 2022. That included 8 incidents in Mifflin County, 34 in Juniata County, 22 in Huntingdon County and 16 in Snyder County, said Pennsylvania State Police Press Assistant Chris Caracino.
"Slow down and use caution, particularly where deer crossing signs are posted and increase the following distance between vehicles," said Caracino, offering important driving tips to avoid hitting a deer. "Make young drivers aware of increased deer movement.
"Be especially watchful during morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active," he added.
To avoid collisions with deer, law enforcement and game commission officials encourage motorists to stay alert and gain an understanding of deer behavior. Typically, deer travel in a group, or
herd, and walk single file. If a motorist sees a deer while driving, wait for a moment because more might be coming.
Law enforcement and game commission officials also warn motorists to pay close attention to stretches marked with deer crossing signs, which can also make a difference.
"Those signs are there for a reason, that they're areas of frequent travel for deer, and to not rely upon store-bought devices or blowing your horn in areas where you think there might be deer," Game Commission Spokesperson Travis Lau said. "Defensive driving is really the key."
State police caution a motorist who does hit a deer to move their vehicle to the side of the road and turn on their four-way hazard lights.
If their vehicle is disabled and can't be moved from the roadway, the motorist should find a safe space away from the roadway, preferably behind the guide rail before calling 911 to report the accident.
If a motorist does hit a deer, they aren't required to report the accident. If a deer dies, the carcass can be claimed by contacting the Game Commission at (833) 742-4868 or (833) 742-9453.
If the deer isn't killed, motorists should maintain their distance because some deer recover and move on. If the injured deer doesn't move on or poses a safety risk, motorists are encouraged to alert the Game Commission or law enforcement.