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Michigan Drivers: Caution, ‘Don’t Veer for Deer’

Author Kayla Morgan

As the days grow shorter an increasing number of deer become active in Michigan. Drivers are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant for these animals while navigating the roads.

“With the onset of whitetail deer mating season and more traffic in the woods than normal, fall is a particularly dangerous time for deer-vehicle crashes in Michigan,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Shorter days call for motorists to be on the lookout for deer, especially at dawn and dusk.”

According to data from AAA, as the Firearm Deer Season begins, with nearly 600,000 hunters preparing to embark on their outings, it’s important to remember that more than 42.7 percent of vehicle-deer collisions occur in Michigan during the months of October, November, and December.

Last year, the Michigan State Police shared a video showcasing a deer jumping over a car at night, with a close call with a trooper. The video was shared to emphasize the importance of driver awareness. This is especially important given that deer can unexpectedly appear on roads, particularly when hunters are active in wooded areas.

Don’t veer to deer.

AAA notes that deer tend to be most active during the hours of dusk and dawn. It’s recommended to exercise extra caution during this period. While deer may be more frequently found in rural areas, they can also be encountered in urban settings. They can surprise drivers who may not be paying full attention. With Michigan’s approximate deer population of 2 million, says AAA, it’s likely that you will come across a deer while driving.

In the event that a deer suddenly crosses your vehicle’s path, it’s important not to swerve. Officials say doing so may increase the risk of a more severe collision with another vehicle or object. Instead, AAA suggests maintaining your vehicle’s straight path and applying the brakes firmly, as there may be other deer nearby.

If you find yourself unable to avoid colliding with a deer, AAA advises you to pull over to the side of the road after the incident. They then say to promptly contact the police and your insurance provider. Make sure to inform the authorities if the animal remains on the road, potentially obstructing traffic.

Once it is safe to exit your vehicle, be sure to take pictures of the damage for potential use when you file an insurance claim.

When you do exit your vehicle, exercise caution and refrain from approaching the deer. If the animal is still alive, it may exhibit aggression and pose a risk of harm to you.

Check out more AAA safety tips here.

Michigan Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 407 Species

Michigan’s Threatened and Endangered list got its seventh update in nearly 50 years.  Now, the list shows a total of 407 species are threatened and endangered. Experts from universities, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, other conservation organizations, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommended changes to the list based on recent data.

36 species were removed from the list, including trumpeter swans. However, 58 species were added to the list. “When people come together to collaborate on conservation, we can recover rare species,” said DNR endangered species specialist Jennifer Kleitch. “For instance, trumpeter swans were just removed from Michigan’s threatened and endangered species list. Their populations have grown as a result of significant conservation efforts by many partners over decades.”

What animals were removed from the threatened and endangered list?

Although the trumpeter swan has been removed from Michigan’s list of threatened and endangered species, it is still federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Three bat species, including the little brown bat, northern long-eared bat, and tri-colored bat, have been listed as threatened due to significant population declines in Michigan resulting from white-nose syndrome. Rusty-patched bumblebees and American bumblebees were added to the endangered species list because, like many pollinator species, their populations are seeing large declines.

“Many threatened and endangered species rely on high-quality natural areas that benefit all of us by providing clean water, clean air and places for us to enjoy nature. When species are struggling, it can indicate declines in the functioning of those natural areas, which in turn can impact our quality of life,” Kleitch said.

“The addition is sad yet a great move.”

The DNR took to Twitter to share more information about the list and one user shared their thoughts. “The addition is sad yet a great move. The only thing worse than being an endangered species is being an extinct species due to the fact of not being helped as much as a protected listing can,” said a comment under their post.

See a full list of the state’s threatened and endangered plants and animals on the Michigan Natural Features Inventory website.

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Author Kayla Morgan
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