Kerry drivers warned to watch for deer during annual rutting season

Drivers in Kerry are being warned to be extra vigilant on the roads as the deer breeding season gets underway. Radio Kerry reported that the Irish Deer Commission issued the warning because the rutting season leads to an increase in road traffic incidents involving the animals. [1]

The rutting season typically runs from September through November each year. Radio Kerry reported that male deer travel in search of females during this time, while dominant stags oust younger males, forcing the animals to cross public roads and motorways. [1]

Rural residents and farmers are also being advised to take extra safety precautions. According to Agriland, as reported by Radio Kerry, people living in rural areas should maintain a minimum safe distance of at least 50 metres if they encounter wild male deer on their lands. [1]