I will once again repeat my yearly warning that drivers shouldexercise extreme caution when navigating Nyack roads during the monthof November. It is the breeding season of the whitetail deer. Withonly one month to propagate the species, bucks run all day and night,often losing 25% of their body weight following the this breedingfrenzy. They also use their sharp antlers to challenge rival bucksfor the right to mate, sometimes fighting to the death, but moreoften just to domination. They chase females with the goal ofimpregnating as many as possible in this small window. This ruttingbehavior involves checking numerous does until a receptive(ovulating) mate is found. It’s this chasing that drives deer intothe streets and in front of our cars. Moose are also increasing theirnumbers in NY with one being hit in Westchester County two years ago.

There are 65,000 deer/car accidentsin New York yearly. Almost half of them occur in the month ofNovember. Deer collisions cause approximately 200 deaths nationwideeach year with an estimated cost of $4 Billion in insurance payouts.

As a driver, be alert any time younear a wooded area. Don’t tailgate and don’t speed!!! Also watchfor the following buck if an antlerless doe crosses in front of yourcar. Let’s be safe out there.

Click here to find a wooded retreatin Nyack from which to safely enjoy watching wildlife.