Deer–vehicle collisions

In North America in the 16th century, deer populations began to drop with the arrival of Europeans. The harvesting of deer for their hides and their meat led to their near-extinction. During this same period, wolves, a primary predator of deer, were targeted for eradication as wolves would eat livestock. By about 1960, wolves in the United States were almost completely wiped out. Deer–vehicle collisions have occurred since roadways have been built in close and direct proximity to direct habitat, also known as deer habitat fragmentation. White-tailed deer, the most common deer involved in deer-vehicle collisions, have steadily increased in numbers since 1900. As of 2023, it is estimated that 36 million deer populate the United States. The actual number of animals killed in deer-vehicle collisions is not known because no such database exists. In a 1981 study, it was concluded that "large animals", which included deer, accounted for 26% of animals killed each year in collisions with vehicles on interstates and country roads. The expansion of roadways, habitat destruction, and consequent habitat fragmentation in the US have increased the number of deer-vehicle collisions. In the United States, the state with the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions is Pennsylvania, with an estimated 115,000 collisions in 2013 causing $400 million in damage.{{cite news | title = Report puts cost of car-deer crashes at $400 million in Pennsylvania ==Contributing factors==

ed deer on the Okatie Highway, South Carolina, US The contributing factors of deer-vehicle collisions have been contested among studies and statistics. Many factors are yet to be identified or understood. Significant factors also include: urban population and deer density. Also, studies have shown that, nationally, most deer vehicle collisions occur between May and November because of deer mating season and foraging before the winter months. Because highways are isolated points of fragmentation, deer wander about them freely because they see little to stay away from. Roadways and highways located in sparsely populated areas are usually built along rivers and lakes of mountains and plains. These areas attract deer because they render safe havens and excellent foraging. Roadways and highways within densely populated deer habitat lead to more prevalent deer-vehicle collisions. Time A contributing factor to deer-vehicle collisions is the time of day at which motorists travel through deer habitation. During the daytime, motorists can more easily see and avoid hitting deer. At night, most especially during the dusk and dawn hours, deer are much harder to see, which increases the chance of collision. ==See also==