Vehicle-deer collisions are a common occurrence on roadways, presenting a significant hazard to both motorists and wildlife. Annually, approximately 1.5 million such incidents occur in the United States. These collisions raise questions about the survival likelihood of deer involved. The outcome for a deer after being struck by a vehicle is complex and depends on a variety of factors.
Factors Determining Survival
Several elements influence whether a deer survives a collision. The speed of impact is a primary determinant, as higher vehicle speeds generally result in more severe forces transferred to the deer, reducing its chances of survival. A direct hit at high velocity can inflict catastrophic injuries.
The specific point of impact on the deer’s body is also important. A blow to the head, spine, or vital organs (lungs, heart, or liver) is often immediately fatal or causes injuries leading to death. Conversely, glancing blows or impacts to less vulnerable areas, like a leg or the rear, might allow the deer to initially move away from the scene.
The size and overall health of the deer before the collision also play a role. While smaller or younger deer might be more vulnerable to severe injury due to their lighter mass, larger deer absorb more kinetic energy, leading to greater internal trauma. A deer with pre-existing health conditions may be less resilient to the forces of an impact. The type and size of the vehicle involved also influence the nature of the collision, with larger vehicles causing more extensive blunt force trauma.
Types of Injuries and Their Progression
Deer involved in vehicle collisions can sustain a range of injuries, from external wounds to severe internal trauma. External injuries might include lacerations, abrasions, and bruising, though these are often not immediately visible or may be obscured by fur. While painful, these injuries are generally not life-threatening on their own.
Skeletal injuries are common and severely compromise a deer’s ability to survive. Broken bones, particularly in the legs, can prevent the deer from moving effectively, preventing it from foraging or escaping predators. Fractures to ribs or the spine are debilitating, often leading to internal organ damage or paralysis.
Internal injuries are frequently lethal, even if the deer initially appears to run off, and these include organ damage (ruptured lungs, liver, or spleen) leading to internal bleeding. Concussions and brain trauma also occur, causing disorientation and neurological impairment. These internal injuries are often not immediately apparent but frequently prove fatal within minutes, hours, or days. Even if a deer walks away, delayed effects such as shock, infection, or starvation can ultimately lead to death. An injured deer may also become an easy target for predators, reducing its long-term survival.
After the Collision: What to Do
Following a collision with a deer, human safety is the priority. Drivers should safely pull their vehicle off the road and activate hazard lights to alert other motorists. Assess yourself and passengers for injuries before taking further action.
Do not approach an injured deer. A frightened and wounded animal can be unpredictable and dangerous, causing harm with hooves or antlers. The safest course of action is to observe the deer from a safe distance, without attempting to move or comfort it.
Reporting the incident to local law enforcement or animal control is the next step. Authorities can assess the situation, determine the proper handling of the deer, and create an official report useful for insurance claims. Some states have specific reporting requirements. Attempting to move the deer or take it from the scene is not recommended and may be illegal.