Ah, it’s November – that time of year when the deer get a little flirty! By following these practical tips, both you and our four-legged friends can coexist safely on the roads.
Be on the lookout on Centre Ave/Township Rd 232 (our very own ‘Wildlife Corridor’ heading to the trails), where local deer seem to think the grass is always greener on the other side of the road!
Keep those peepers peeled for glowing eyes. And remember, deer are not solo travellers; they like to bring their squad.
Light up the night with your high-beam headlights when cruising the dark roads (when it won’t blind anyone, of course).
Show some extra attention at sunrise and sunset, when the deer are most likely to photobomb your commute.
Time for a speed check: Slow and steady wins the race and allows you more time to react.- Give ’em a friendly honk to remind them the road isn’t a dance floor. Deer whistles? Nah, not their jam.
No dodging, no swerving! Stay in your lane and give those brakes a loving squeeze – brakes are your BFF’s in a deer encounter.
What happens if I have a deer-lemma?
Slide your ride to a safe spot and flick on those flashing hazards, pronto!
If you or any of your buddies are feeling a little worse for wear, call 911.
Call up Fish and Wildlife if the deer needs some TLC (403-297-6423 between 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday or 1-800-642-3800 outside of office hours). We don’t want any more road drama, do we? If the deer has passed, call your regional Transportation Infrastructure Office at 310-0000.
A close-up selfie with the injured deer is a no-go. They will not be in the mood for a photo op.
Once you’ve got things under control, give your insurance folks a ring from a safe spot.
While deer are majestic creatures, they can also be quite unpredictable during rutting season. Stay safe and keep your eyes on the road!
