Why are there more deer-and moose-car collisions in the fall?
Fall is the breeding season for both white-tailed deer and moose in New York State-mid-November for deer, and late September through early October for moose. During this time, males increase their daily movement as they search for females. The females also travel more because of pursuing males. As such, more cross roads at this time, which is why drivers need to be especially alert in the fall. In addition, the shorter days mean more commuters are on the road at dusk when there is poor visibility and the animals are more active. In the case of moose, their population has been increasing in certain parts of the state and so more drivers are encountering them. Moose are especially dangerous to drivers as their dark brown coat and tall stature keeps their eyes above the height where they would reflect headlights. In addition, moose have a high center of gravity which tends to cause the animal to be undercut by passenger cars during collisions, causing considerable damage to cars and passe
