'Don't Kill Bambi's Mom:' Watch Out For Amorous Deer Driving Thru Palos Forest Preserve

PALOS, IL –Illinois officials are reminding the public to be alert for deer, as we enter peak mating season, with their movements and the chances for collisions both increasing, especially at day and dusk through December.

“In your travels this fall, please remember that deer can appear suddenly and in some surprising environments,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said in a 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.”

Motorists are encouraged to keep alert, especially when driving through the Palos Forest Preserves.
In 2024, there were 14,436 crashes involving deer in Illinois, according to Illinois Department of Transportation officials. Of those, 13,733 resulted in damage to property or vehicles, while 698 caused injuries and five resulted in fatalities.

Although a collision with deer can happen at any time, Illinois is approaching the time of year when they occur the most. Last year, 6,027 (42%) crashes involving deer in Illinois occurred in October, November and December, with November being the highest-risk month at 3,037 (21%). Rural areas were the site of 9,963 (69%) crashes involving deer, with most – 11,467 (79%) – occurring at twilight or nighttime.

Safe driving tips for deer-mating season:

• Deer adapt and thrive in the country, cities and suburbs. Always assume you’re in an area where deer can be present. Pay special attention to locations with deer crossing signs.
• Scan the sides of the road for eye shine – the reflection of headlights in their eyes.
• Slow down if you see a deer. Anticipate that other deer could be following.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road and not move for oncoming vehicles.
• If a collision is inevitable, don’t veer. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road.

“Deer are a common part of the Illinois outdoors and are active during mating season,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Drivers should be aware of their presence and drive cautiously this time of year, especially during dark and low-visibility conditions.”

The Top 10 Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2024:

1. Cook 550
2. McHenry 381
3. Sangamon 381
4. LaSalle 358
5. Lake 353
6. Will 342
7. Kane 336
8. Madison 336
9. Fulton 309
10. Rock Island 304

If you hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and call 911. Do not exit the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road.

For information on how to claim a deer involved in a crash, or to report possession of a deer killed in a crash, fill out a roadkill claim or visit IDNR.