Wisconsin enters peak season for deer-related vehicle crashes

Wisconsin is entering the peak season for deer-related vehicle accidents. According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT), deer are considered the deadliest animals for humans in the United States due to their unpredictable appearances on roadways.

While average monthly crashes in the state range between 1,000 and 1,500, these numbers more than double during October and November. This spike occurs because deer are in rut, their mating season, making them significantly more active. In 2025, crashes rose to over 2,500 in October and nearly 3,500 in November.

Motorcyclists face heightened risks during these incidents; WISDOT reports that a deer-related crash involving a motorcycle carries a 37% chance of serious injury or fatality.