Increase in deer activity requires motorists – especially motorcyclists – to be alert

The month of June typically sees an increase in deer activity, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and State Patrol are reminding motorists they need to be extra alert. Deer activity increases in June as females search for places to give birth and young deer separate from their mothers.

While crashes between deer and motor vehicles tend to peak in the fall, June is when motorists are most likely to be injured in a deer/vehicle crash. Last year in Wisconsin, 515 motorists were injured in deer/vehicle crashes and four people were killed – all four fatalities were motorcyclists.

“This time of year, we typically see an increase in vehicle speeds and traffic volumes along with more motorcycles and deer along roadways,” said David Pabst, Director of WisDOT’s Bureau of Transportation Safety. “It’s a recipe for a crash, especially if motorists aren’t being alert.”

Last year in Wisconsin, law enforcement agencies reported 20,177 deer/vehicle crashes. Counties with higher traffic volumes and significant deer populations see the most crashes. A county-by-county breakdown of deer/vehicle crashes in Wisconsin indicates Dane County had the most deer/vehicle crashes last year with 1,033, followed by Waukesha County with 891 and Washington County with 816.

WisDOT offers the following tips to avoid deer crashes and motorist injuries:

• Slow down, eliminate distractions, and make sure all vehicle occupants are buckled up.

• Deer can be seen at any time, but are most active in early morning and evening hours.

• If you see one deer cross in front of you, watch for more. One long blast from your vehicle’s horn may frighten the animal away.

• If a collision with a deer is unavoidable:

• Brake firmly. Stay in your lane.

• Avoid sudden swerving which can result in a loss of vehicle control and a more serious crash.

• The one exception is if you are operating a motorcycle, in which case you should slow down, brake firmly and swerve if necessary to avoid hitting the deer. Try to stay within your lane to avoid hitting other objects.

• If you do hit a deer:

• Get your vehicle safely off the road if possible and call law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your specific location.

• It’s generally safest to stay buckled-up inside your vehicle. Walking along a highway is always dangerous as you could be struck by another vehicle.

• Don’t attempt to move an injured deer.

The increase in motor vehicle travel and deer activity this time of year also results in more car-killed-deer along Wisconsin roadways. WisDOT works with private vendors, county highway departments and law enforcement to manage deer carcass removal. To report car-killed-deer:

• Deer carcasses on the active, traveled portion of a highway represent an urgent safety hazard and should be reported by calling 911;

• If the carcass is off the traveled portion of the roadway, contact the appropriate county sheriff’s department using the agency’s non-emergency phone number;

• When calling to report a deer carcass, provide specific location information (such as proximity to a mile post, exit number, intersecting highway or mailbox) to facilitate more efficient and prompt carcass removal;

State law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency responders, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles – including crews removing deer carcasses. More information on the Car-Killed-Deer program can be found on the WisDOT website.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Upcoming 30-Hour System Ramp and Lane Closures This Weekend in the Mitchell Interchange

Apr 20th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of Transportation

 

Consumer Warning: Fraudulent Phishing Scams Continue to Target Wisconsin DMV Customers

Apr 20th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of Transportation

 

WIS 241 Closed Near Root River in Milwaukee County Due to Flooding

Apr 17th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of Transportation

WIS 241 (27th Street) in the city of Frankin is currently closed due high water levels at the Root River. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) encourages drivers to be aware of changing travel conditions. “Know before you go” with 511 Wisconsin, 511wi.gov or via the free app, to view highway closures impacted by flooding and weather alerts across the state. Current highway closure: Milwaukee County WIS 241 (27th Street) near the Root River is closed in both directions, Milwaukee County The timeline for reopening these roads remains unknown, as river levels are still cresting, and additional rain is anticipated. WisDOT officials are closely monitoring the roads and river levels and will reopen them as soon as it is safe to do so. While it’s difficult to predict if or where flooding may occur, WisDOT offers these tips: Flooding conditions may change rapidly so drive with caution at all times. Never drive through standing water or around barriers. As the safety slogan goes, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” It only takes a foot of rushing water to sweep away or float most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Just six inches of floodwater will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. Stay alert and slow down. Follow designated detour routes if state, county and local roads experience flooding. If you must travel, check 511 Wisconsin for the latest information on any road closures or impacts.