Why Do Deers Jump in Front of Cars?
Deers are known for their strong intuition and fleet feet. Unfortunately, all too often, these instincts cause them to jump into the path of oncoming cars. So what’s behind this behavior?
Surprise and Panic
Deers can’t tell the difference between cars and forest predators, so when one appears, they will naturally respond with surprise. There’s a common belief amongst animal experts that deers, lacking the cognitive abilities of humans, can’t think or plan an escape. Instead they:
- Instinctively run away
- Jump without thinking of the consequences
- Freeze in panic
The combination of surprise, panic and a less developed intellect can be fatal for these animals on roads.
Natural Migration Pattern
For many species, seasonal migration is an essential part of their yearly cycle. Some deers may travel in herds over long distances in search of food and during this time they can be particularly susceptible to being hit by cars. This is because they’re not able to detect the presence of roads or cars, since they’ve evolved in non-urban environments. Deers can also easily become confused by the bright lights at night and become startled, leading to them jumping into the paths of oncoming cars.
Vehicle Speed
The speed of a car is also significant to why deers might jump into the road. When cars travel at high speeds, it is often impossible for a deer to calculate the velocity and time needed to take an alternate route. And combined with a natural instinct to flee, this can result in them sprinting directly into a car’s path.
Conclusion
In essence, there are many reasons why deers could be jumping in front of cars, such as surprise and panic, their misunderstanding of roads and vehicles, natural migration patterns and the speed of cars. Fortunately, there are several measures which drivers can take to reduce the risk of a deer accident, such as reducing speed while driving at night or using an animal deterrent.
