Forget potholes and flooding. State officials say lustful deer are a major hazard on New Jersey roads this fall.
The Department of Environmental Protection issued a warning on Friday that it’s peak mating season for white-tailed deer. So, why do we care? According to officials, there’s deer hanging out near roadways, looking for… well, sex.
The ‘fall rut’ runs from mid-to-late October through mid-December, and bucks are more likely to be near roads as they look for does to mate with. With clocks turning back on November 1, evening commutes line up more closely with deer activity. The state says about 77% of deer crashes happen during the evening rush, according to Gothamist.
Additionally, State Farm data show New Jersey drivers have a one in 226 chance of an animal collision. October through December accounts for around 41% of those crashes.
“Collisions with deer pose a very serious safety threat and can cause significant damage to vehicles and possible loss of life,” said David Golden, Assistant Commissioner for NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. “It’s especially important that drivers be extra vigilant to this threat and take time to know steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of collision.”
How to Avoid a Crash
In a statement put out by DEP, officials stress the importance of taking extra caution on roads during the season. In order to best avoid a deer-related collision, drivers should:
- Slow their vehicles around deer, and wait for them to completely cross or exit the road if they are in the way. Attempting to drive around them is not advised.
- Use high beams during darker hours when no cars are present.
- One deer usually means there are more present.
- Avoid tailgating the driver in front of you on deer-populated roads.
- Report deer-related collisions to local law enforcement immediately.
The deer population has exploded in recent years. A 2025 report estimated a population that was 10-times above healthy levels in many areas. Deer account for roughly 25,000 vehicle collisions every year in New Jersey.
Stay vigilant this deer mating season. Remember: the deer have one thing on the mind… and it’s not avoiding cars.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
