"They Are Everywhere!" Deer Activity At Its Peak In Bucks County

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — With deer rutting season at its peak, a large digital sign is flashing a warning to drivers on Swamp Road near Route 413: “Watch out for deer.”

Newtown Township Police Chief John Hearn reported this week that during the month of October 27 deer collisions were recorded in Newtown and Wrightstown townships, and that's just two municipalities in Bucks County. “Please pay attention to deer over the next couple of months,” said the chief.

Dennis Fisher, who chairs Newtown Township Board of Supervisors, had his own close call a few weeks ago. "On a Friday morning, a deer was hit on Sycamore Street right in front of me. Beware of deer. They are everywhere.”

Police reports from neighboring Northampton Township are replete with deer collisions, with recent crashes reported on Holland, Rocksville, Newtown-Richboro, Jacksonville, Pulinski, Buck and Stoneyford roads.

"This time of the year, we often see an uptick in accidents involving deer," reports the Northampton Township Police Department. "Please use caution, especially in the morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active."

Deer are especially active and are more prone to run into the street during rutting season, which begins in October and extends into early December. The "rut" is at its peak between the last week of October and the first two weeks of November.

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 their police departments.