Drivers urged to watch out for deer during breeding season

Deer breeding season begins in mid-October and runs through December. Male deer, or bucks, can often be found traveling together and marking their territory by scraping the ground or rubbing their antlers on trees. Eventually, increased testosterone and aggressiveness will force the bucks to separate and begin chasing does (female deer).

Whitetails are active around the clock, but less so during daylight hours. Most often, white-tailed deer are on the move at dawn and dusk. Their unpredictable behavior during breeding season can prove hazardous to humans and result in serious accidents.

Drivers should remember these tips during breeding season:

• Slow down and be attentive while driving through zones marked with deer signs.

• If you see one deer, assume others are nearby.

• Prepare for sudden stops and always wear a seat belt.

• Never swerve out of a lane to miss a deer.

• If you hit a deer, pull your car to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and report the incident to local police.

The non-profit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center provides free wildlife education and rehabilitation services to the public. If you have a question about local wildlife, please call 440-871-2900 to speak with a wildlife expert.