{"id":42650,"date":"2024-09-30T12:47:48","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T16:47:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=42650"},"modified":"2024-09-30T12:47:48","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T16:47:48","slug":"fall-wildlife-activity-increases-maryland-drivers-collision-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2024\/09\/30\/fall-wildlife-activity-increases-maryland-drivers-collision-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall Wildlife Activity Increases Maryland Drivers\u2019 Collision Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Photo

Photo by Matthew Doged, submitted to the 2016 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.<\/p><\/div>\n

Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the\u00a0<\/span>Maryland Department of Natural Resources<\/span><\/a>\u00a0reminds motorists to be vigilant. The shortening of day length, called the photo period, triggers white-tailed deer breeding season.\u00a0During this time, these <\/span>deer<\/span><\/a> travel across roads in often unpredictable patterns at all times of the day in search of a mate. Most wildlife species are also more active this time of year, as they search for food to prepare them for the coming winter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeak deer movement in Maryland begins mid-October and lasts throughout November and early December, as bucks attempt to secure breeding opportunities,\u201d <\/span>Wildlife and Heritage Service<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 Director Karina Stonesifer said. \u201cThis is the time of year to be especially cautious on the road and be mindful of deer activity while driving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Motorists are reminded to:<\/span><\/p>\n