Drivers urged to keep an eye out for deer

Motorists are urged to use caution and keep an eye out for deer along the roads, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Deer are most active from late October through early December because juvenile animals are dispersing from their home ranges, said Bill Jensen, big game biologist for Game and Fish.

“Most deer-vehicle accidents occur primarily at dawn and dusk when deer are most often moving around,” he said.

Jensen said drivers are urged to pay attention to Deer Crossing Area signs and to look for a second or third deer if they see one crossing the road.

But even with the best precautions some accidents are unavoidable. Jensen suggested the following precautions.

* Always wear your seat belt.

* Don’t swerve or take the ditch to avoid hitting a deer. Try to brake as much as possible and stay on the roadway. Don’t lose control of your vehicle or slam into something else to miss the deer. You risk less injury by hitting the deer.

* If you spot deer ahead, slowdown immediately and honk your horn.

* No published research supports the effectiveness of deer whistles on vehicles. Deer can’t hear ultrasonic frequencies.

If an accident does happen, a local law enforcement agency should be contacted. Also, a permit is required to take parts or the whole carcass of a road-killed deer. Permits are free and available from game wardens and local law enforcement offices.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at (701) 952-8452

or by e-mail at knorman@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, from g and f, news, deer, drivers, roads