Roads Are Extremely Dangerous Due To NJ’s Peak Rut Season

I was reminded last week just how dangerous it is to drive in South Jersey this time of year. I totally forgot New Jersey is currently in the peak of rut season. That means all the deer are getting freaky. It's crazier than Prom weekend down in Wildwood out there right now.

I'll never forget when my mom was driving me to school and a deer jumped out in the middle of the road. It was the kind of situation you'd expect to happen at night. Never did I anticipate getting involved in an accident with a deer at 7 o'clock in the morning on a school day. Luckily, there wasn't any damage to the vehicle and the deer ran away. Whether or not the animal was injured, we'll never know.

Still, it spooked me out so much that, to this day, I usually take note of when I can expect the deer to be in heat.

Get our free mobile app

During rut season in New Jersey, which typically happens in the fall, usually from October through December, deer become much more active and unpredictable. This is the time of year when male deer (bucks) are searching for females (does) to mate with. They're driven by pure instinct and hormones, so they are constantly on the move. They cross roads and highways without paying attention to traffic.

After hearing about a coworker of mine hitting a deer last week, it instantly snapped me back into reality regarding the time of year and what to expect out on the roadways.

NJ Rut Season: The Deer Are On The Move

Right now, the likelihood of a deer running into the road or suddenly darting across it is much higher. Deer are less cautious than usual. What's even worse is they can appear out of nowhere, even in areas where you might not expect them. This can make driving more dangerous. It's much harder to anticipate when and where a deer might cross your path at the moment. Even the NJ government is warning you to look out for deer right now. They're ALL over the place.

PROMISE ME you'll be extra careful when driving, especially during the early morning and evening hours, when deer are most active. Always stay alert, watch for deer warning signs, and slow down in areas where deer are known to roam.

By being cautious during rut season, you can help prevent accidents and protect both yourself and the deer.