Laois motorists urged to be vigilant during deer breeding season

Motorists across Laois are being advised to be on the lookout for wild deer as the rutting season gets underway. 

The Irish Deer Commission, which operates a humane deer dispatch scheme for injured deer, is urging drivers to be extra vigilant on the roads during this autumn. 

“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 stated. 

They 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. Wild deer are active across Laois and in particular around woodland areas in places like Abbeyleix and Ballybrittas and in the Slieve Bloom 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. 

“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 operates a humane deer dispatch scheme with 135 trained volunteers assisting agencies and charities who deal with an increasing number of deer vehicle collisions nationally,” they concluded.