It's Deer, Moose Mating Season In MA, A Dangerous Time For Drivers

MASSACHUSETTS — Massachusetts wildlife officials are back with their annual autumn warning: watch the roadways for mating deer and moose.

It's not the usual traffic warning, but both species mate in fall and early winter, with males running hitherto and fore trying to find females. They carry out the seasonal mating pattern whether there's a road in the way or not.

"Because fall is the breeding season for both moose and white-tailed deer, MassWildlife reminds motorists to be mindful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. Moose, found in central and western parts of Massachusetts, breed in September and October. White-tailed deer breed from late October to early December," the state wildlife agency said this month.

Moose are the bigger danger. Because they're so tall, driving into a moose can send them toppling into the passenger compartment. Their mating season also typically ends in October.

"The dark color and height of moose make them difficult to see in low light; moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because their eyes are above headlight level. In addition, long legs and heavy top bodies make moose very dangerous to motorists when struck," MassWildlife cautioned.

Deer are also a danger. Larger animals can cause serious danger if hit. It can also be dangerous to swerve with roadways typically covered in wet leaves, and with dimmer evenings.

State Farm, the largest auto insurer in the country, said industry-wide casualty claims data puts the odds of hitting a deer or other animal at 1 in 109 in Massachusetts — the lowest of all the New England states except Connecticut.

November, October and December, in that order, are the most dangerous time of year for animal collisions. Deer are involved in the largest majority of claims, State Farm said, followed by collisions with rodents, dogs, raccoons and coyotes. Claims for rodent damage includes chewed wiring and other destruction.

Luckily, Massachusetts has lower collision odds versus other deer-heavy states.

The greatest odds of hitting an animal on the highway are in West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Mississippi, South Dakota, Virginia and Missouri, the insurer said. The odds range from 1 in 38 in West Virginia to 1 in 80 in Missouri.

The odds of a collision in Massachusetts are surprisingly higher than our neighboring states. Massachusetts is No. 3 in New England behind Maine (1:83) and Rhode Island (1:96). Nationwide, the odds of hitting an animal are 1 in 127.

State officials advise drivers not to swerve if you're on a collision course with a deer. It's better to try to stop, and use your horn to scare deer off the roadway.

"Observe road signs for moose and deer crossings and slow down. Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer because it may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer," DFW says.

If you do collide with a deer or a moose, report the incident to state Environmental Police by calling 1-800-632-8075.