Deer mating season alert for drivers

The SPCA for Monterey County has put out a few guidelines to avoid hitting deer this time of year.

Fall is deer mating season on the Central Coast and deer are more likely to be on the move near or across roadways.

Here are a few tips by the SPCA to avoid running over any wildlife:

-Driving extra carefully during dawn and dusk, especially where visibility is limited is very important. Using high beams when appropriate is recommended to provide a greater area of visibility.

-It is advised to slow down and use extra caution when approaching a deer standing near the side of the road. Expect for deer to enter the roadways. If this happens, you should honk your horn and flash your lights to try and scare any wildlife off of the roadway.

-If you spot one deer be prepare to see more nearby.

-Be on the look out for areas with deer crossing signs posted. These are usually areas where deer are known to cross roadways.

-SPCA asks for drivers to be particularly aware of wooded and agricultural areas.

-Call the SPCA immediately if you see an injured or orphaned wildlife.

Areas with greater deer activity at night are Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley Road, the Highway 68 corridor, Holman Highway, River Road, and Highway 1 from Seaside to south of Carmel.

The SPCA said it has responded to nine reports of deer being killed during car crashes in October alone.

Last year, the SPCA responded to 104 reports, where almost all deer involved died on scene or had to be euthanized.

The average insurance claim for a deer/vehicle collision is more than $4,000 per incident.