Mating season and the quest for more secure habitat have deer on the move at this time of year, increasing the chances of vehicle collisions.

Typically the greatest occurance of deer-vehicle crashes is in mid-November when the rut, or mating season, peaks.

Deer are also on the move in mid-Fall seeking new locations as crops are harvested and leaves fall from trees and shrubs, leaving them less secure than in their summer habitats.

Geary County Sheriff Tony Wolf said to avoid collisions with deer while driving, stay alert. “Deer are more active in the evening hours and early morning hours. And at those times slow down, keep an eye on the ditches, that’s where they come from. Not only will they run right in front of you, but there’s also those accidents that most people can’t avoid if come running right out of a ditch and right into the side of a vehicle.”

Watch for more than one deer since they seldom travel alone, and reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces such as parks or golf courses, and near water sources such as streams or ponds.