The Transportation Cabinet’s annual Antler Alert has been issued for Kentucky through the end of the year. The alert marks the beginning of peak deer activity in the Commonwealth.
During this period of increased activity drivers are encouraged to be on the lookout for deer while traveling. Allen Blair, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said officials want to prevent as many deer related collisions as possible.
“We’re continuously looking at ways to prevent deer crossing collisions but ultimately, it’s awareness that we want to drive, as well as the engineering behind when we build our highways. But it is awareness, too, that we want to talk about this time of year just to make sure people do understand it’s a serious issue and it can lead to injuries or fatalities, and that’s why it’s important to drive with that in mind,” said Blair.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, nearly half of all wildlife collisions occur in these last three months of the year. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said the increased activity is due to the rut, or deer mating season, as well as changes in cover and food sources.
Blair said practicing defensive driving is incredibly important.
“As you’re on the road, scan that roadway for deer. Slow down if you see one because they tend to travel in groups, so chances are there are more deer nearby. Even if a deer has already crossed in front of you be aware that there could be more behind that deer, so you just want to kind of stay aware of your surroundings, don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer which could result in a secondary crash,” said Blair.
Kentucky recorded more than 3,400 deer-related highway crashes in 2024 with six people losing their lives. The number of reported collisions was 180 over the previous year and the highest recorded in the last five years. The Commonwealth was one of 17 states to receive a federal grant with the goal of making roadways safer. The money funded a wildlife-vehicle collision reduction plan and pilot study in central Kentucky with fencing, vegetation management, and lighting expansion being considered.