Wildlife collision times — Maine Permit Test

In Maine, collisions with deer increase in the autumn and peak in November, during breeding season.

Deer on the move to breed cross roads more often and with less care.

Collisions with deer increase in the autumn, peaking in November - during breeding season.

Moose collisions in Maine increase sharply in May and June, the peak moose collision months.

A driver who watches for moose only in the fall is caught off guard in late spring.

Collisions with moose increase dramatically in the months of May and June.

Because moose are so tall, their eyes usually do not reflect in your headlights the way deer eyes do, so watch for the moose's silhouette.

A driver waiting to see shining eyes may not see a dark moose until it is in front of the hood.

Deer eyes reflect light from headlights very well but because moose are so much taller, drivers typically won't see their eyes reflected in the headlights.

Moose and deer are most active between dusk and dawn, so be especially alert after sunset.

Dark animals moving at night are hard to see until they are right in front of the car.

While wildlife collisions can happen at any time of the day, moose and deer are most active between dusk and dawn as they tend to travel at night.

In which month do deer collisions in Maine peak?

November. Deer on the move to breed cross roads more often and with less care. Maine Driver’s License Manual, p.118: “Collisions with deer increase in the autumn, peaking in November - during breeding season.”