HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) - Officials say peak season has arrived for deer activity on Kentucky roadways, and motorists are reminded to stay alert for wildlife to keep safe as state transportation officials' issue their annual Antler Alert.

"We see deer-related crashes rise sharply this time of year," said State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. "Last November we had more than 700 wildlife collisions - the highest of any month. Drivers should be extra alert, especially at dawn and dusk, and slow down in areas where deer are likely to cross. A moment of caution can prevent a serious crash."

According to Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), deer movement is near peak activity this year when the rut, otherwise known as mating season, begins at the end of October and continues through December.

"Deer activity peaks in the fall not only because of the rut, but also because their food sources and cover change as the seasons shift," McDermott said. "As foliage disappears and crops are harvested, deer are more likely to travel greater distances and cross roadways in search of food and shelter. That means drivers should expect to encounter deer almost anywhere, anytime this season."

Officials say in Kentucky, there were 3,406 highway crashes in 2024 that reported a vehicle striking a deer, up nearly 180 over the previous year and the highest recorded in the last five years. As a result of those collisions, six people were killed - three more than the previous year - and 22 were seriously injured, which was a decrease from last year.

Officials note Hopkins County saw the highest number of reported crashes last year - 133. Half of the top 10 counties with the most crashes were in western Kentucky.

Here is a list of crash counts by county, restricted to only those counties in the Eyewitness News coverage area:

* Hopkins - 133

* Daviess - 94

* Muhlenberg - 89

* Henderson - 76

* Ohio - 21

* Union - 16

* Webster - 11

* McLean - 3

* No numbers were provided for Hancock County.

Officials say State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. issues a yearly report of collisions involving deer and other wildlife based on insurance claims. Despite a national decrease in wildlife involved collisions, for the year ending June 30, 2025, State Farm reported more than 1.7 million animal collision claims in the United States, of which more than 1.1 million involved deer. Kentucky ranked its odds for an animal collision as 1 in 105.

The Transportation Cabinet offers these driving tips to stay safe:

* Stay aware

* Be prepared

* Turn on headlights

* Slow down

* Don't swerve

* If there's a crash

Officials say Kentuckians should drive safely and scan the roadside, especially at sunrise and sunset when deer are most active. Drivers are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police. KYTC traffic engineers use the crash data to aid in placing deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures.

KY transportation officials issue Antler Alert