Motorists warned to be wary of deer on roads as rutting season under way

Irish Deer Commission calls on motorists to be vigilant at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active, particularly in high risk areas such as woodlands and mountains

The annual Red Deer Rut Watch takes place in Killarney next Sunday at 9am. Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan

A warning has been issued to motorists to be wary of deer on the roads as the annual rutting season is under way.

It comes ahead of the annual Red Deer Rut Watch event in Killarney next Sunday at 9am.

Organised by the Irish Deer Commission, the watch event will give nature enthusiasts a front-row seat to the deer rut, which is believed to have been taking place in Killarney for more than 5,000 years.

The commission said: “The breeding season for wild deer known as the ‘rut’ is one of the highlights of the wildlife calendar as stags roar out to their competitors and battle like gladiators for the right to breed with females.

“The event is family friendly event and suitable for all fitness levels, with no specialist clothing required. There will be talks by conservation rangers and the Irish Deer Commission, along with a display of native red deer antlers.” 

On October 31, the commission will host a Humane Deer Dispatch Course, which will give participants practical guidance and theoretical knowledge to manage vehicle collisions with deer “effectively and humanely”.

In a statement, the commission said: “While the rut is an amazing experience to witness, it is also a time when there is an increased incident of road traffic accidents involving deer as male deer go in search of females and younger males are ousted by dominant males forcing deer to cross public roads and motorways. 

"The Irish Deer Commission are calling on motorists to be vigilant at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active, particularly in high risk areas such as woodlands and mountains.” 

The commission advises drivers to:

• Reduce speed where they see a warning sign and stay alert;

• Prepare to stop, never swerve as you could hit another obstacle or oncoming vehicle;

• When you see a deer, "dip your headlights" as the full beam may cause the deer to freeze;

• If a deer has crossed in front of your vehicle, be aware others may follow;

• Do not approach an injured deer;

• If you are involved in a road traffic accident involving a deer or come across a deer that has been involved in a road traffic accident, immediately contact the local gardaí.

Bookings must be made for Sunday’s deer rut watch event as places are limited. Bookings can be made at irishdeercommission.ie/news.