With the end of daylight saving time, more motorists will be commuting during dawn and dusk hours. These times coincide with peak activity for white-tailed deer during the annual breeding season (rut), increasing the risk of deer-vehicle collisions.
City data shows that November has the highest average number of deer-vehicle collisions in Mentor – approximately three times higher than in the spring and summer months. Residents are advised to remain alert when driving at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active. If one deer is observed crossing a roadway, others may be following.
While Mentor’s white-tailed deer population is currently healthy and relatively stable, drivers are encouraged to exercise caution on roadways throughout Ohio during this time of year.
Residents who wish to provide input on the local deer population are invited to complete the the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Urban Deer Reporting survey. Resident feedback is a valuable tool for natural resource managers at the state and local levels.
Take the survey at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c684075c59904c9f8398c2c78517fd8b