The state issued its annual “antler alert” Monday morning, warning Kentucky drivers to watch out for deer during the last three months of the year when the animals are most active.
“We see deer-related crashes rise sharply this time of year,” said State Highway Engineer James Ballinger in a press release. “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.”
The antler alert coincides with the deer’s mating season, also called the rut. Deer tend to be more mobile during this season, which begins at the end of October and extends through December. As a result, the risk of vehicle accidents involving deer is higher over the winter.
“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,” said Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “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.”
There were 3,406 highway crashes involving deer in Kentucky in 2024. That was an increase of 180 compared to 2023 and the highest recorded in the last five years. Six people died in the collisions and 22 were seriously injured, a decrease from 2023.