Deer Fawns Are Beginning To Appear

Friday, July 25, 2008
Education

This article was Archived on Monday, August 25, 2008

Deer have been seen less frequently on the sides of roads and in nearby fields and green spaces in the past six to eight weeks. That is about to change quickly, and the result will be a challenge to Montana drivers.

"This year’s crop of fawns have their legs and are ready to travel more widely than when first born. We are going to begin to see does with fawns crossing roads more frequently," said Kurt Cunningham of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Communication and Education Division.

As fawns begin to be more active and able to travel, the number of automobile collisions with deer inevitably increases, Cunningham said. He said motorcyclists should be especially careful because collisions with deer can be fatal.

"In the coming months when driving keep an eye on the edge habitat between the road and the forest and on the grassy areas along city streets to spot deer with trailing fawns preparing to cross the roadway," Cunningham said.

Cunningham said those who aren’t wildlife savvy will commonly slow down for a deer in the road and then speed up—often hitting the second deer or the trailing fawn.

"You can pretty much bank on the fact that where there is one deer there is another nearby, likely a fawn this time of year," he said. "By being aware, drivers can save themselves a lot of damage to their vehicles and heartache."

Other driving tips include:

• Be vigilant in the early morning and evening hours when deer are most active;
• Pay attention to deer crossing signs;
• If you see one deer, look for another, especially a smaller fawn. Deer seldom run alone.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, do not swerve;
• If you hit a deer, pull to the shoulder and use a cell phone to call for help, if needed.

For help, and to report the collision, call the city police, county sheriff, or the Montana Highway Patrol.

If the animal is seriously injured but still alive, report it to an FWP game warden or other law enforcement officer.