Deer Baby Boom Has Garden State Drivers On High Alert

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A bumper crop of Bambis has drivers on alert this deer mating season, and many people have said that they are seeing more than in years past.

Tori Winchock told CBS 2's Tony Aiello that she constantly worries about deer popping out of the dark.

"It's really easy for deer to come out and just sneak, and you never see them until it's too late," she said.

CBS 2's cameras spotted a pair on the side of the road in Mercer County, it seems like deer are overrunning the Garden State.

A buck had to be rescued after tumbling into a Far Hills pool on Saturday.

Another deer was euthanized after getting hung up on a fence in Bergen County last week.

"We're getting more calls for dead deer on people's property," said Raul Soto of All Stages Pest Control.

Soto said calls for deer are up 10 percent this season, with many of them getting hit by vehicles.

"I notice when I pick them up they have a broken leg, sometimes they have two broken legs," Soto said.

Cathleen Lewis of AAA New Jersey said that deer related accident claims are up nearly 40 percent because deer are pushing into residential areas.

"Deer have to look further for their mates, further for their food, and they're coming out where there's people," Lewis said.

Drivers need to be especially careful during the fall mating season.

Experts suggested flashing high-beams and honking horns.

"It will startle them so they will get out of your way. Don't do it while driving. Slow down, stop if possible," Lewis said.

The problem isn't just on country roads. An SUV hit a deer on the turnpike last week causing front end damage that topped $5,000.

At least 30 people have died since 1998 from deer collisions in New Jersey, including a Somerset County man last week.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories