Deer Activity Increasing In Abington Township

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —With deer becoming increasingly active, and daylight-saving time putting more vehicles on the road during the hours when deer move most, authorities are advising motorists to slow down and stay alert.

Abington Township Police Department Animal Control Officer Jerrold Czech said that deer become more active in autumn, leading up to their fall breeding season, commonly referred to as the “rut.”

Around this time, many yearling bucks disperse from the areas in which they were born and travel, sometimes several dozen miles, to find new ranges.

Meanwhile, adult bucks more often are cruising their home ranges in search of does, and they sometimes chase the does they encounter.

Data from around the country indicates Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest risks of a vehicle collision with a deer or other large animal.

A recent report shows Pennsylvania led the country in animal-collision insurance claims in the fiscal year 2023-24.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania drivers, according to the report, have a 1-in-61 chance of a vehicular accident involving a big game animal – one of the highest rates nationwide.

Drivers can reduce their chances of collisions with deer by staying alert and better understanding deer behavior. Just paying close attention while driving on stretches marked with “Deer Crossing” signs can make a difference.

Deer often travel in groups and walk single file. So even if one deer successfully crosses the road in front of a driver, it doesn’t mean the threat is over. Another could be right behind it.

If a deer is struck by a vehicle, but not killed, drivers are urged to maintain their distance because some deer might recover and move on.

However, if a deer does not move on, or poses a public safety risk, drivers are encouraged to report the incident to Abington Township Police Department.