Photo: Buck Shreck / 500px Prime / Getty Images
Love is sending deer into Oklahoma traffic, causing potential hazards for drivers.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Department is warning that bucks are chasing mates across roadways, and the upcoming time change on Sunday will put more drivers on the road near dusk.
Deer are especially active at dawn and dusk, and officials caution that one deer crossing the road may have another close behind.
The months of October through December mark the peak of deer mating season, also known as "the rut," when deer are more likely to dart into roads.
This increases the risk of costly and potentially deadly collisions.
The average insurance claim for animal-related incidents in Oklahoma last year was nearly $7,300, a 27% increase since 2020.
Drivers are advised to stay vigilant, especially in rural and wooded areas, and to use high beams at night when there is no oncoming traffic to spot deer.
If a collision occurs, AAA recommends moving the vehicle to a safe location, contacting authorities, and reporting any damage to the insurance company.