Shawnee's Wild Side
With summer in full swing, more and more of our owners and guests are heading outside to enjoy the natural beauty of the Poconos. This five-part series is intended to inform and educate our owners and guests about the wildlife in the Shawnee Area in order to keep you, your children, and our animal friends safe and healthy.

Lions and Tigers and...Deer?
August 1, 2002

They look tame, harmless, and friendly.  Sometimes they will walk right up to you if you stand still enough or hold out a piece of bread.  But deer are wild animals, and have the potential to be dangerous just like any other wild animal.  Deer are found nearly everywhere in the wilderness and show little fear of humans. Do not feed deer. They can be dangerous, striking out with their hooves or antlers.

Feeding deer can also be harmful to their health. They crave the salt found in human urine, feces and food.  Young animals, such as fawns, may be temporarily left by their mother. Do not be tempted to pick up these young animals, even if you think something is wrong with them. A lingering human scent can lead to abandonment.

Avoiding Collisions with Deer

The explosion in the deer population has lead to the increase in deer/car collisions. In the 1980's, the deer population was approximately 10 million. Today, there are more than 25 million. Losses due to deer and car encounters will only increase as the deer population continues to grow and urban habitats encroach upon rural environments.

Each year there are approximately 500,000 deer/auto collisions resulting in over 100 deaths and thousands of injuries.

Deer/auto collisions cost about $2,000 per claim for repairs and injuries.

• Be vigilant in early morning and evening hours, the most active time for deer.
• Use your high-beam headlights.
• Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path. Do not swerve. It can confuse the deer as to where to run. It can also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
• Be alert and drive with caution when you are moving through a deer crossing zone.
• Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car/deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
• Look for other deer after one has crossed the road. Deer seldom run alone.

If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. The frightened animal, in attempting to move, could hurt you or itself. The best procedure is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call the police.

Contact your insurance agent or company representative to report any damage to your car. Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.