WisDOT: Stay alert while driving during seasonal spike in deer activity

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is reminding the public to stay alert behind the wheel as deer activity increases in May and June.

In a release, WisDOT said the spike in activity occurs in late spring and early summer, while deer look for places to give birth and young deer separate from their mothers.

“In turn, this means more deer crossing the roads and a greater chance for crashes,” WisDOT stated.

“Drivers should have their full attention on the road ahead to avoid deer crashes,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan. “Deer are unpredictable, often changing directions and freezing as they cross the road. Motorists should be alert and prepared to respond at all times.”

According to preliminary data, there were 17,795 crashes involving deer in Wisconsin in 2025, causing six fatalities and 720 injuries.

Motorcyclists are at greater risk of injury in a deer crash, WisDOT noted. In 2025, 223 of the deer crashes involved a motorcycle, resulting in four fatalities and 80 serious injuries.

“This means 38% of motorcycle deer crash resulted in a fatality or serious injury, compared to less than 0.1% in auto or light truck deer crashes,” WisDOT stated.

The following counties had the most deer crashes last year, according to WisDOT: Waukesha, 1,010; Washington, 857; Sheboygan, 830; Dane, 792; St. Croix, 769; Manitowoc, 711; Fond du Lac, 704; Walworth, 642; Outagamie, 590; Winnebago, 566.

How to avoid hitting a deer

Deer can be seen any time of day, WisDOT said, but they are most active in early morning and evening hours.

“Be sure to use your headlights, especially at dusk and dawn,” WisDOT stated. “Deer movements can be unpredictable, so drivers should slow down and proceed with caution when approaching deer on and near the road. If a deer crosses the road, be prepared for others to follow.”

Be sure to buckle up and avoid distractions to stay safe on the road, WisDOT added, noting that crash injuries are less severe or can be avoided when everyone wears a seat belt.

“If you cannot avoid hitting a deer with your vehicle, brake firmly and stay in your lane,” WisDOT said. “Avoid sudden swerving, which can result in a loss of control and a more serious crash. On motorcycle, if you cannot avoid hitting a deer and there is enough space to swerve around it without leaving your lane, brake and adjust course as needed.”

What to do after a deer crash

WisDOT said that if you hit a deer, get your vehicle safely off the road as soon as possible and take the following steps:

• If someone is hurt or the deer is in the active portion of the road, call 911.
• If no one is hurt and your vehicle and the deer are off the road, report the crashor contact local law enforcement.
• Stay buckled up inside your vehicle and wait for help. Getting out of your vehicle and walking along a road is always dangerous.
• Never attempt to move an injured deer.
• For disposal of car-killed deer, call your county highway department or sheriff department non-emergency line.

Learn more about car-deer crashes at www.tinyurl.com/5n92s3rj.