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Staten Island drivers urged to watch for deer
The state Department of Transportation issued a warning for drivers today.
“Our state has a very healthy deer … population that can be found both in rural and urban regions,” state Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid C. Glynnis said in a statement. “This time of year, these big animals are on the move. Governor David Paterson and I urge drivers to take extra precautions during the fall months when these animals are more active and difficult to see.”
Most of the Island’s deer population can be found on the West Shore in many areas adjacent to the Saw Mill Marsh, where some herds count more than a dozen of the cute, cuddly animals.
“Everyone on Staten Island think the deer swim over from New Jersey, but they have been breeding on Staten Island and Prall’s Island for 15 to 20 years now,” Richard T. Lynch, a botanist who heads the Sweetbay Magnolia Conservancy, told the Advance in August.
“In fact,” Lynch noted, “some of them wind up migrating back to New Jersey.”
The deer that remain and venture from their backroads habitat have been spotted on streets and roads around the West Shore, sometimes even wandering near the busy West Shore Expressway.
Although there are no local figures documenting deer-vehicle collisions, state records show that with a statewide deer population numbering approximately 800,000, an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur throughout the state each year. The peak period for deer-vehicle collisions runs from October through December, corresponding with the peak of the deer’s annual breeding cycle when they are more active and less cautious in their movements.
Nearly two-thirds of those collisions occur during this three-month fall period, with most of the collisions occurring the two hours prior to sunrise and after sunset, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Thruway Authority.
“Motorists are encouraged to be watchful for deer … especially during this time of year,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer said. “Since vehicle-deer accidents can cause serious injury, it is extremely important that motorists remain aware of their surroundings and be on the lookout for deer, especially during dawn and dusk.”
Motorists driving in deer-populated areas are advised to reduce speed and be alert for their presence on or near the highway.
The state Department of Transportation issued a warning for drivers today.
“Our state has a very healthy deer … population that can be found both in rural and urban regions,” state Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid C. Glynnis said in a statement. “This time of year, these big animals are on the move. Governor David Paterson and I urge drivers to take extra precautions during the fall months when these animals are more active and difficult to see.”
Most of the Island’s deer population can be found on the West Shore in many areas adjacent to the Saw Mill Marsh, where some herds count more than a dozen of the cute, cuddly animals.
“Everyone on Staten Island think the deer swim over from New Jersey, but they have been breeding on Staten Island and Prall’s Island for 15 to 20 years now,” Richard T. Lynch, a botanist who heads the Sweetbay Magnolia Conservancy, told the Advance in August.
“In fact,” Lynch noted, “some of them wind up migrating back to New Jersey.”
The deer that remain and venture from their backroads habitat have been spotted on streets and roads around the West Shore, sometimes even wandering near the busy West Shore Expressway.
Although there are no local figures documenting deer-vehicle collisions, state records show that with a statewide deer population numbering approximately 800,000, an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur throughout the state each year. The peak period for deer-vehicle collisions runs from October through December, corresponding with the peak of the deer’s annual breeding cycle when they are more active and less cautious in their movements.
Nearly two-thirds of those collisions occur during this three-month fall period, with most of the collisions occurring the two hours prior to sunrise and after sunset, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Thruway Authority.
“Motorists are encouraged to be watchful for deer … especially during this time of year,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer said. “Since vehicle-deer accidents can cause serious injury, it is extremely important that motorists remain aware of their surroundings and be on the lookout for deer, especially during dawn and dusk.”
Motorists driving in deer-populated areas are advised to reduce speed and be alert for their presence on or near the highway.
