ALERT: Gardaí warn motorists to watch out for ‘active and unpredictable’ wild animals

Gardaí warned: 'The animal is active and unpredictable at this time of year, particularly at dawn and dusk'

Gardaí have warned motorists to exercise extra caution on Irish roads during the deer rutting season - which reaches its peak during October.

The Laois / Offaly Garda Síochána wrote on social media: “The animal is active and unpredictable at this time of year, particularly at dawn and dusk”,

The Irish Deer Commission issued a press release warning the public: “While the rut is an amazing experience to witness it is also a time when there is an increased incident of road traffic accidents involving deer as male deer go in search of females and younger males are ousted by dominant males forcing deer to cross public roads and motorways.”

Ireland is home to three species of deer - sika deer, red deer and fallow deer.

Irish motorists are advised to observe the following guidelines to account for active deer on roads:

Reduce speed in known deer crossing areas or where warning signs are in place.
Be prepared to stop suddenly – deer often move in groups and may follow one another across the road.
Dip your headlights if you see a deer, as full beams may cause them to freeze.
Avoid swerving, as this can lead to more serious collisions.
If you are involved in or witness a road traffic collision involving a deer, contact Gardaí immediately.