TOPEKA (KSNT) – More deer may be sighted around Kansas this fall than at other times in the year due to the ‘rut.’
State officials with multiple Kansas agencies issued a joint warning on Oct. 14 regarding deer mating season, also known as the rut. People are likely to notice increased deer activity during this time of the year, especially at the hours of dawn and dusk.
“When a deer enters the roadway, drivers may be tempted to swerve,” said Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Lt. Chad Crittenden. “That can lead to a loss of control, leaving the roadway or a collision with oncoming traffic. Drivers are often safer when they brake firmly and stay in their lane.”
State officials report that one person died and nearly 700 were injured in the over 10,700 deer-related crashes in Kansas last year. A total of 40% of all single-vehicle crashes in 2025 involved the driver hitting a deer.
“Deer are focused on mating and not paying attention to hazards like vehicles,” said Levi Jaster, Big Game Coordinator with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). “Bucks are looking for does, and with crops out of the fields and leaves off the trees, deer have fewer places to stay concealed. That means motorists are more likely to encounter deer on or near roadways, especially at dawn and dusk.”
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Andrew Booth, safety coordinator with the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA), said drivers should try to stay focused while on the road, reduce distractions and drive at a safe speed to increase safety while deer are near the road.
“In the event a driver hits a deer, help is available by dialing *KTA (*582) when traveling on the turnpike or *47 to reach the Kansas Highway Patrol,” Booth said.
Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas said that collisions with deer can not only bring about serious damage to your vehicle, but also result in high repair costs.
“AAA insurance statistics show the average claim in Kansas for an animal strike in 2025 was almost $7,900 – up 42% in the past five years,” Steward said. “This is largely due to advanced vehicle technology such as cameras and sensors.”
Personnel with the KHP, KDWP, KTA, AAA Kansas and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) encourage drivers to take precautions while traveling on the road during the rut. These include:
- Be more observant at dawn and dusk as deer are usually more active during these times
- Deer often travel together and rarely alone
- Always make sure you are wearing a seat belt
- Use appropriate child safety seats
- Use bright headlights when no oncoming traffic is present to detect deer
- Never swerve as this can cause drivers to move into oncoming traffic, leave the road, hit objects or roll over
- If you hit a deer, move your vehicle to the shoulder and call law enforcement: KHP dispatch at *47, turnpike users at *582 or local law enforcement at 911
- Call your insurance company to report deer crash-related damage
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