Deer more active this time of year in roadways | News

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS)- Troopers are warning drivers to be on the lookout for deer crossing Missouri's roadways.

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol says more deer are active this time of year especially during evening and early dawn hours.

He says that's mainly due to mating season, hunting and crop harvesting.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, in 2011 there were 3,563 traffic crashes involving deer in Missouri. Four people were killed and 367 injured. And, in 2011, 26.7 percent of the traffic crashes involving deer happened in urban areas.

Col. Replogle says the majority of deer-vehicle strikes occur from October-December, with the most strikes happening in November. He adds most deer strikes occur between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

Here are some tips to observe when driving this time of year:

-When you see deer, slow down and proceed with caution.

-In areas where there are streams or wooded corridors surrounded by farmland, look for more deer to cross roadways.

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