Neighbor Alert: Too Close Encounter of the Scary Kind with Bambi

McLean Patch had a too close encounter of the scary kind with a deer Saturday evening.

A large deer came bounding out of the woods at dusk along a wooden stretch of Old Dominion Drive,. We were driving slowly (thank the Lord). The deer and McLean Patch passed within inches of each other. We were shaking the rest of the way home.

Therefore we want to share with the neighbors these tips from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries:

• Be EXTRA cautious while commuting at dawn and dusk. Go slow and be attentive.

• Though most vehicle-deer collisions aren't fatal, they can cause a lot of damage to people, property (and your nerves).

• Deer typically travel in packs. If there is one there are likely others.

• Apply brakes to avoid hitting a deer, but don't swerve out of the lane to miss one. It could result in hitting another vehicle, a tree or other object more serious than a deer.  

• Deer often travel in the same areas and VDOT has installed deer crossing signs where they habitually roam. Use caution when seeing the signs. 

• Be cautious and use your own senses. Mounted deer whistles have not shown to be effective.

• If involved in a car-deer collision, report it to a law enforcement officer. Once reported and properly documented, drivers may keep the carcass for their own use.

Be careful out there.