Delaware officials warn of increased white-tailed deer activity

DOVER — The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is warning residents to expect increased activity from white-tailed deer, especially during dusk and dawn, as they enter their annual mating season, known as “the rut.”

The season typically begins in mid-October and will last for the remainder of the year.

DNREC officials warn that bucks may chase does across roads — especially near woods or in unlit areas — creating hazards for motorists.

The latest figures from the Office of Highway Safety show that most deer-vehicle collisions in Delaware occur between 5-7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and midnight.

There were 1,616 crashes involving deer in the state in 2023, the department notes.