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Rebounding Deer Numbers Pose Problems For Drivers

Missouri Department of Conservation
Rebounding numbers of white-tailed deer pose problems for drivers, especially in the early morning or late at night.

With the population of white-tailed deer in Southeast Missouri on the rise, and mating season around the corner, Missouri Department of Conservation Agent Kyle Booth says drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and drive slowly.

“Pay attention to what’s surrounding the road on either side, because deer tend to move across roadways to find food,” Booth said. “Coming up here soon, we’re going to start seeing more deer during the mating season and we’re going to see more deer moving, so definitely pay attention. Drive slow, and always look on both sides of the road.”

In previous years, especially in 2012, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease infected over 10,000 deer in Missouri and caused heavy decreases in the white-tailed deer population. Since then, the habitat in Southeast Missouri has helped support reproduction and the population has rebounded.

With this increase, Booth and the Missouri Department of Conversation are encouraging drivers to stay especially focused while driving in the mornings or at night.

“That’s one thing I would definitely recommend to all drivers, wherever they may be driving, is pay attention in the early mornings and late evenings driving up into the night because thats when deer are typically most active,” Booth said.

Within the Cape Girardeau city limits, Booth said deer are typically the heaviest populated and most active around Southeast Missouri State University’s campus.

Jami Black was an intern reporter for KRCU from 2013-2014.