Pa. ranks highly for deer collisions. A wildlife expert offers tips for avoiding crashes
A recent report by State Farm lists Pennsylvania as third in the nation for likelihood of hitting an animal while driving.
This comes as November approaches, which, according to State Farm, is, “The most dangerous month [for animal collisions] with an industry-estimated 297,000 collisions.”
According to the report, the odds of hitting an animal in Pennsylvania, over one year, are 1 in 59, with Montana (1 in 53), and West Virginia (1 in 38) having less favorable odds while driving.
Deer were reported as the animals involved in collisions most often, with rodents, dogs, raccoons and coyotes following behind. (Rodent-related claims also include damage such as chewed wires, State Farm notes.)
The report also said that Pennsylvania had the highest number of animal collision claims (through State Farm) out of all states, with an estimated 153,397 claims from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Monroe County experienced 219 deer-related crashes in 2022, with 31 injuries and zero fatalities.
Within a five-year period from 2018 through 2022, Monroe County experienced a total of 961 deer-related crashes, with 201 injuries and zero fatalities.
Over the same period:
Carbon County had 351 crashes, 70 injuries and one fatality
Lackawanna County had 539 crashes, 104 injuries and two fatalities
Luzerne County had 843 crashes, 200 injuries and two fatalities
Northampton County had 659 crashes and 145 injuries
Pike County had 279 crashes, 76 injuries and one fatality
Wayne County had 162 crashes and 50 injuries
'Be on the lookout for movements'
The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Hamilton Township aids the public and first responders in assisting animals in need throughout northeast Pennsylvania. Kathy Uhler, the founder, director of education, and rehabilitator for Pocono wildlife, provided tips on how to avoid animal collisions in the Poconos.
“First of all, be aware that, in the Poconos, we have a really high variety and volume of wild animals,” Uhler said. “So, be on the lookout for movements, watch your seasons.”
Uhler also mentioned that we are heading into deer-mating season, and while the season may be short, a deer collision could result in a long and expensive insurance process.
“Male deer are chasing female deer and they are not paying attention to where they’re going, they’re just running,” said Uhler, “That’s a really important time to watch the sides of the road, watch your peripherals. If you see one deer cross the road, there probably is another one behind it, so it’s usually the second deer that gets hit.”
Additionally, Uhler stressed how important it is to pay attention to the animals you see, and not to assume that animals sense your presence, especially if you drive an electric car.
[Electric cars] don’t make noise, so you have to be aware of the fact that you’re not even making noise now,” said Uhler. “So that’s going to be another whole new thing for people to have to watch out for, is that animals are not ready for silent cars.”
Finally, Uhler noted that the center gets a lot of birds of prey that get hit by cars in the area, and provided advice on what to do if you hit one.
“The best thing to do would be to call the Game Commission and get a wildlife rehabilitator’s number no matter where you are,” said Uhler. “If you’re in our county area, obviously you can directly call us, and get information on how you can help the bird, because we don’t want people to get hurt in the process of helping the bird.”
You can call Pocono Wildlife at 570-402-0223, or email them at poconowildlife@gmail.com.
Max Auguliaro is the public safety and government watchdog reporter at the Pocono Record. Reach him at MAugugliaro@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Pocono wildlife expert offers driving tips for deer mating season
