Accidents up as deer figures rise

THERE are regular warnings from wild deer organisations that Ireland’s deer population is declining. However, we also hear the opposite story from farmers, road users and other observers — that deer are becoming quite numerous and are now seen in areas where they have never previously been.

Deer also create traffic hazards when they cross roads and an average of 300 accidents involving deer occur on our roads annually, according to the Irish Wild Deer Association (IWDA).

Several accidents have occurred in the Killarney area, which has around 1,000 head in the national park and surrounding lands. Again, we have had recent calls for improved signage to warn drivers and fencing to prevent the animals from getting onto roads.