Fall’s cooler weather is bringing more deer onto Southern Maryland’s roads. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is warning drivers that white-tailed deer are entering their breeding season, known as the rut. During the rut, bucks travel widely and unpredictably in search of mates, day and night. Other wildlife are also more active this time of year as they build up food stores before winter.
“Although the decreasing temperatures indicate the arrival of autumn and beautiful fall colors, they also coincide with the beginning of the deer breeding season,” said Karina Stonesifer, director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “Drivers are urged to exercise increased caution on the road and remain vigilant for heightened deer activity through the end of the year.”
The risk adds up nationally. State Farm says U.S. drivers filed more than 1.6 million animal-vehicle collision claims between July 2025 and June 2026, costing the insurer $1.9 billion. Deer were by far the most frequently struck animal, and collisions climb in the fall when deer are most active.
How to avoid a deer strike
DNR offers these tips for drivers:
- Pay extra attention in the early morning and evening, when deer move most.
- Brake gradually if a deer appears. Don’t swerve, which can send you off the road or into oncoming traffic.
- Keep track of vehicles behind you before braking hard.
- Slow down when a deer crosses ahead. Deer often travel in groups, and others may follow a few moments later.
- Slow down and stay alert where deer crossing signs are posted. They mark areas of frequent deer activity.
- Watch the shoulders. A deer standing beside the road can bolt into your lane. Slow down and sound your horn to scare it off.
If you hit a deer
Drivers who hit a deer or other large animal should contact local police. DNR stresses that drivers should never approach a struck animal, even if it appears dead. An injured deer can kick or thrash and seriously hurt someone.
The rut overlaps with Maryland’s hunting season. Archery season opened Sept. 11 and runs, with breaks, through Jan. 31, 2027. Muzzleloader and firearms seasons follow this fall and winter. DNR’s white-tailed deer biology page has more on deer behavior during the breeding season.
