With colder temperatures and snowy conditions arriving in Indiana County and the rest of the Commonwealth, the chances of deer moving have increased. Because of this, drivers across Pennsylvania are more likely to encounter them on roadways.
Mason Frumkin, Game Warden with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, said Pennsylvania has led the nation in animal collision insurance claims in the past year. He adds Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-59 chance every year to hit a big-game animal, especially this time of year that’s classified as “the rut.” Those being wild turkey, black bear, whitetail deer and, in northern areas, elk.
Frumkin said there are several things to consider when encountering deer or other big game on roadways. One is that they often travel in groups or packs.
He adds the best ways of handling deer on roadways is to slow down, beep your horn, or flicker low and high beams in hopes of spooking them off.
If you hit a deer and it dies, you do not have to contact the Game Commission to let them know.
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