Fall is deer mating season, SPCA for Monterey County warns drivers

Fall is deer mating season on the Central Coast. The SPCA for Monterey County is warning drivers to use caution when driving.

It’s advice that could save you thousands in auto repairs. The SPCA said during when it’s mating season, male deerare less aware of their surroundings and wander onto the road. It can be dangerous for both the deer and the driver.

“Imagine you’re driving at 40 or 50 miles per hours and hitting a brick wall,” said Salinas auto repair shop owner Amit Pandya.

Pandya said he sees it every fall during deer mating season anddrivers pay thousands to repair their vehicles.

“The best thing is just be aware of your surroundings. Where there is one deer there are always many deer. So remember that they travel in groups,” said Rosanna Leighton with the SPCA for Monterey County.

The SPCA also has these tips:

• Slow down when deer are present
• Be careful at dawn and dusk
• Use high beams when appropriate
• Honk horn and flash lights

“Anywhere through Pebble Beach, along the Laureles Grade, out in Pacific Grove where our deer population is healthy, Reservation Road, really anywhere where you’ve got deer in the area, you can expect to see the males out this time of year,” said Leighton.

Also, don’t expect the deer to see you. Pandya remembers the story from a shaken driver last year.

“The car was totaled. It was over $14,000 worth of damage. And the person was driving in Big Sur little more than 32 miles an hour,” said Pandya.

If you hit a deer or see an injured deer, call the SPCA for Monterey County wildlife 24/hour emergency hot line at (831) 646-5534.