HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Fall brings peak deer activity on Kentucky roadways with nearly half of all wildlife collisions occurring during the last three months of the year, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Christian County is among the top ten counties in the state with deer related collisions, with 89 occurring last year.
Coinciding with this, KYTC has issued their annual Antler Alert to remind motorists to stay alert while driving. Throughout the 120 counties in the state, there were 3,406 highway crashes in 2024 that reported a vehicle striking a deer, up nearly 180 over the previous year and the highest recorded in the last five years. Data from KYTC shows that half these top ten counties are located in western Kentucky.
- Hopkins County: 133
- Hardin County: 121
- Boone County: 102
- Daviess County: 94
- Warren County: 97
- Campbell County: 90
- Christian County: 89
- Muhlenberg County: 89
- Nelson County: 83
- Barren County: 76
Why deer activity rises in Kentucky, safety tips
Deer movement is near peak activity this year when the rut, otherwise known as mating season, begins at the end of October and continues through December, according to Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
“Deer activity peaks in the fall not only because of the rut, but also because their food sources and cover change as the seasons shift,” McDermott said. “As foliage disappears and crops are harvested, deer are more likely to travel greater distances and cross roadways in search of food and shelter. That means drivers should expect to encounter deer almost anywhere, anytime this season.”
KYTC says Kentuckians should drive safely and scan the roadside, especially at sunrise and sunset when deer are most active. Motorists are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police. KYTC traffic engineers use the crash data to aid in placing deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures.
The Transportation Cabinet offers these driving tips to stay safe:
- Stay aware: Be vigilant, especially in forested terrain, and during dusk and dawn when
deer are most active. - Be prepared: Always wear a seat belt (it’s the law) and eliminate distractions (phones
down!). - Turn on headlights: Keep them on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
- Slow Down: Take your foot off the gas immediately if you spot a deer crossing the
roadway; they tend to travel in groups. - Don’t swerve: Trying to avoid a deer can result in a more serious crash with an
oncoming vehicle or roadside object. - If there’s a crash: Keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until
stopped.
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