Deer Rut Season Begins in the Black Hills, Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution
RAPID CITY, S.D.—As autumn progresses, the Black Hills region is witnessing the onset of the annual deer rutting season, a critical period when bucks become highly active and mobile. This natural cycle, triggered by decreasing daylight, drives male deer to actively seek mates, often causing unpredictable behavior near roadways.
The rut typically peaks in November, coinciding with increased movement of bucks through their habitats. This heightened activity reduces their wariness, which hunters often exploit, but it also dramatically raises the risk of vehicle collisions.
Increased Risk of Deer-Vehicle Collisions During Rut
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, between 40 and 60 percent of deer-related crashes in the United States happen during the mating season. These incidents collectively cause over a million collisions annually, resulting in more than $1 billion in insurance claims each year, with the average damage costing around $5,500 per claim.
Local law enforcement emphasizes the need for vigilance on area highways. Lt. Casey Kenrick of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office highlights a common scenario: “It’s often not just a deer darting out in front of your vehicle, but one crossing in front of the car ahead of you, which causes sudden braking and leads to rear-end collisions.”
Wildlife Behavior and Driver Safety
From a biological perspective, bucks during the rut experience elevated testosterone levels which intensify their drive to find does, often disregarding usual caution near roads. This disorientation can lead to erratic movements and increased crossing frequency.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to maintain safe following distances, reduce speeds at dawn and dusk when deer are most active, and stay alert to the presence of deer along known migration and feeding corridors.
- Rut season typically runs from late October through November.
- Bucks’ diminished awareness is linked to hormonal changes during the mating period.
- Pay attention to signs indicating high deer activity and avoid distractions while driving.
The combination of biological rhythmicity in white-tailed and mule deer populations and heavy traffic during rut underscores the importance of cautious driving in the Black Hills and beyond at this time of year.
Additional reporting and sources from: Drivers on Alert as Deer Rut Season Begins in the Black Hills – Rapid City South Dakota news, weather, sports | NewsCenter1
