Laois motorists urged to watch out for deer during rutting season

Laois motorists are being urged to exercise caution in the coming weeks as the deer rutting season gets underway. 

Roaming deer pose a significant danger to motorists in the county. There were a number of collisions involving deer during the season last year, particularly around the Slieve Bloom Mountains.  

“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,” the Irish Deer Commission stated.  

“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 warned. 

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,” the Irish Deer Commission warned. 

Anyone involved in a road traffic accident involving a deer or come across a deer that has been involved in a road traffic accident, should immediately contact the local Gardaí. 

Portlaoise Institute students getting 'work ready'

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.