Fall 'Rut' Brings Out Deer Along Wooded Holmdel Roads

HOLMDEL, NJ — Police are reminding motorists in town to be especially watchful for deer crossing local roads at this time of year.

Deer are more likely to suddenly run onto roadways during their mating season, known as the "rut," which runs from late October through mid-December in New Jersey, police said.

Increased deer activity is more likely to occur in the early morning and around sunset when visibility may be difficult.

"Awareness will become even more important when daylight savings time ends on Nov. 6, causing many commutes to align with the periods when deer are most active," police said.

At a Township Committee meeting earlier this month, the concern about deer and accidents was raised by a resident and discussed by committee members, but it was agreed there is not an effective way to control the deer population.

Mayor Gregory Buontempo said that Monmouth County normally holds a deer hunt in Holmdel Park in December and January. But he said thinning the deer herd doesn't solve this problem that he said has been going on for years just about everywhere.

Deer may be thinned in Holmdel Park to be replaced by deer migrating from Colts Neck, for example, he said.

He said a farmer near Middletown told him he has seen more deer than usual grazing on his pumpkins and sunflowers, ruining the crop. Development in one town just sends the deer to another food source, the mayor said.

Another resident who spoke at the meeting told the committee that she saw a news article about Princeton tranquilizing deer and then neutering or spaying them and releasing them. She thought that might be a possible way to control the deer population.

She told the committee how shocked she was to see a deer - a stag - in her open garage next to her Subaru.

"He just walked out of the garage like he owned it," the resident said.

In terms of driving, Buontempo warned drivers not to swerve when seeing a deer. It's the same advice police give. People who serve as they are driving normal speeds can hit a tree or a pole. and some accidents in the past have been fatal, he said.

Police offered information from the state Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees wildlife.

These tips can help motorists stay safe during the fall rut:

• Slow down if you see a deer and watch for possible sudden movement. If the deer is in the road and doesn’t move, wait for the deer to cross and the road is clear. Do not try to drive around the deer.
• Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears inevitable. The deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately and stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer.
• Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Slow down when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so you have enough time to stop, if necessary.
• Use high beams after dark if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads. If you see one deer, assume that others may be in the area.
• Don’t tailgate. The driver ahead might have to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with a deer.
• Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
• Obey the state’s hands-free device law or refrain from using cellular devices while driving.

Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately, police said.