Ohio’s Deer Breeding Season Triggers Rise in Vehicle Collisions
The onset of the deer breeding season, or rut, in Ohio has once again led to a marked increase in vehicle collisions involving deer as the state approaches its deer gun hunting season.
Since 2020, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has documented nearly 110,000 crashes involving deer. These incidents spike from October through December, with the peak rut activity occurring in early November.
Behavioral Patterns Drive Increased Deer Movement
During the rut, male deer are driven by instinct to seek out females, often wandering far from their typical ranges. This increased movement, especially near dawn and dusk when deer are naturally more active, significantly raises the risk of deer-vehicle encounters.
Wildlife experts emphasize that during this period, drivers should remain particularly vigilant near natural deer habitats such as woodlands, streams, and fencerows where deer frequently travel.
Statistics Highlight Critical Risk Zones and Periods
Ohio’s highest rates of deer collisions since 2019 have been reported in Stark, Richland, Hancock, and Defiance counties, areas characterized by mixed forest and agricultural landscapes.
In 2025 alone, Ohio has already experienced 12,765 deer-related crashes. Of note, 95% of these incidents resulted in property damage only, but there were 44 fatal collisions leading to 45 deaths, underscoring the potential severity of such accidents.
South Carolina’s Deer Collision Rates Put Ohio’s Situation in Perspective
State Farm insurance reports that South Carolina ranks 14th nationally, with a 1 in 93 likelihood of animal-related vehicle claims in the 2024-2025 period. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reports approximately 45% of deer-vehicle collisions occur during the rut, reinforcing the national pattern seen in Ohio.
Official Safety Recommendations for Drivers
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Ohio State Highway Patrol advise motorists to adopt the following precautions during the fall breeding months:
- Wear seat belts at all times.
- Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
- Continuously scan road edges for deer activity.
- Use high-beam headlights when no oncoming traffic is present to better detect deer.
- Exercise extra caution during dawn and dusk, peak activity times for deer.
- If a collision is unavoidable, brake firmly and maintain your lane to prevent swerving.
In the event of a collision, drivers should prioritize safety by moving to a secure location if possible, activating hazard lights, and reporting the incident to authorities.
Wildlife Expert Insight on Rut-Related Risks
From a biological perspective, bucks increasing their travel distances during the rut to locate mates explains the elevated incidence of roadway crossings. This restless movement is compounded by decreased visibility and crepuscular activity patterns in deer, making them harder to spot.
Experts note that these natural behaviors combined with Ohio’s rural road infrastructure create high-risk scenarios each fall. Public awareness and cautious driving are essential tools to reduce these preventable collisions.
Additional reporting and sources from: Deer breeding season in Ohio brings spike in collisions with cars. Here’s how to stay safe
