IL Officials Warn Of 'Amorous Mammals' As Deer Mating Season Gets Dangerous

Oh, deer: Illinois officials are warning drivers to look out for “amorous mammals,” as mating season is underway for the state’s deer population, according to a news release from the transportation department.

During mating season, the animals are more mobile and the likelihood of collisions goes up, especially at dawn and dusk, according to the department.

“In your travels this fall, please remember that deer can appear suddenly and in some surprising environments,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said in the news release. “If you do see deer, the safest choice is to stay in your lane, brake firmly and avoid swerving in traffic to avoid them."

In 2024, there were 14,436 crashes involving deer in Illinois, according to the department. Of those, 13,733 resulted in vehicle or property damage, while 698 caused injuries and five resulted in fatalities.

Of all the crashes, 42 percent occurred in October, November or December, with 21 percent happening in November alone, according to the department. Sixty-nine percent of the crashes took place in rural areas — although the most collisions by far occurred in Cook County — and 79 percent happened during twilight or at night.

Below are the top 10 counties in the state for crashes involving deer in 2024:

• Cook: 550
• McHenry: 381
• Sangamon: 381
• LaSalle: 358
• Lake: 353
• Will: 342
• Kane: 336
• Madison: 336
• Fulton: 309
• Rock Island: 304.

Drivers should pay special attention to areas with deer crossing signs, scan the sides of the road for headlight reflections in the eyes of deer, slow down if they see a deer, remember there could be more than one, and, if a collision is inevitable, avoid veering into opposite lanes or off the road, according to the department.

Drivers who hit a deer should pull over to the shoulder, turn on hazard lights, call 911 and not exit the vehicle.