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Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Oct 16, 2026 at 4:22 p.m. ET
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Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Oct 16, 2026 at 4:22 p.m. ET
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Watch out New Jersey drivers: Environmental officials warn lustful deer seeking sex are a major hazard on Garden State roads this fall.
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice Friday noting it’s peak mating season for white-tailed deer, which means the creatures “are more likely to be present near and on roadways as bucks attempt to court does.”
New Jersey deer are expected to keep seeking action through mid-December, and officials say drivers should be on high alert, especially after daylight savings time ends on Nov. 1, causing commutes to more closely align with deer activity. About 77% of deer crashes occur during the evening rush, state officials said.
According to State Farm Insurance data, Garden State drivers have a one in 226 chance of an animal collision. October through December account for about 41% of all those crashes, with November seeing the highest share.
“Collisions with deer pose a very serious safety threat and can cause significant damage to vehicles and possible loss of life,” David Golden, assistant commissioner of the Division of Fish and Wildlife under the state Department of Environmental Protection, wrote in a statement.
It can cost an average of around $4,000 to repair car damage caused by a deer strike, according to Purdue University, but a collision can also total a vehicle.
New Jersey officials urged drivers to exercise caution by driving slower, using high beams, keeping an eye out for deer and minding deer-crossing signs. They warn that if you see one deer, there are likely more nearby.
New Jersey's deer population exceeds 100,000. According to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, deer numbers are in many areas are 10 times above healthy levels and are fueling an ecological crisis as well as endangering public health and safety.
“It’s especially important that drivers be extra vigilant to this threat and take time to know steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of collision,” Golden said.
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new jersey
Rosemary Misdary
Rosemary is health & science reporter. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 646-544-9524.
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