Who removes deer from Butler County roads following crashes?
Collisions with deer on the road can be both scary and expensive.
After assessing the vehicle damage and ensuring the safety of all persons involved, it then comes time to figure out what to do with the deer carcass.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the solution can vary depending on the road and the intentions the driver might have for the deer itself.
“Generally speaking, PennDOT responds to roadkill or wildlife or other hazards on state roads,” Sgt. Jacob Olexsak, a state game warden, said. “Traditionally the Game Commission handles roadkill deer or dead deer in other locations like township roads or sometimes private property.”
Olexsak said there is no mandatory reporting for collisions with deer on the road, but he strongly encourages motorists to call the Game Commission at 1-833-742-4868 to report the incident, especially if the deer is posing a threat to other driver’s safety.
“The dispatch center is open 24/7,” Olexsak said. “If it’s an immediate need, they can call 911 to prevent any further injury or damage.”
For deer removal from a state road in Butler County, Christina Gibbs, community relations coordinator for PennDOT District 10, said motorists are encouraged to contact the Butler County PennDOT office at 724-284-8800.
“In the event of a crash, depending on the severity of the damage, you can call the nonemergency number for the area you are in or 911,” Gibbs said. “To merely report a dead deer, it’s best to call the county maintenance office.”
The severity of a crash with a deer can always vary. Sometimes the deer is in the middle of the road blocking traffic, sometimes there are injuries to motorists and sometimes the deer is injured, but still alive on the road.
Olexsak said he understands why some motorists might feel obligated to “put the deer down” with a gun, but he suggests leaving that to the professionals.
“From a black and white legal standpoint, state police officers or wildlife veterinarians are allowed to put injured deer down,” Olexsak said. “The average motorist shouldn't do that. I know it creates that ethical situation. But we don't want to put people in the situation of shooting a firearm on the side of the road.”
One thing the public can do after striking a deer with a vehicle and the deer is dead is to get a free permit from the Game Commission to salvage some of the meat from the deer for personal consumption.
“Once they call, they can pick up the deer right away and they have 24 hours to get the permit,” Olexsak said. “Once they call, they will be given an incident number over the phone which will serve as their permit. So if an officer were to check, they would give that number and they would run it through the system.”
The number to call for the free permit is also 1-833-742-4868. If the deer happens to be a male with antlers, and the motorist also wants to keep said antlers, they would need to acquire a separate permit that can be obtained when getting the free one.
“The permit costs $10 per point to pick up the antlers and posses them,” Olexsak said.
According to Gibbs, autumn in western Pennsylvania can bring new driving challenges like wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost, but there are steps drivers can take to help make their commutes safer.
“As leaves begin to fall, wet leaves on the roadway can be as slippery as ice,” Gibbs said. “They can hide traffic lines and other pavement markings, making driving in unfamiliar areas particularly difficult. Motorists should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways.”
When driving in fog, Gibbs said motorists should use low beam headlights since the high beam setting creates glare and reduces visibility. If you need to use your wipers, state law requires headlights be on when wipers are in use.
Morning frost and icy spots on the road can cause problems as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing, Gibbs said.
Motorists should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses and shaded areas on roadways where icy spots can form on the pavement. In addition to exercising caution while driving, motorists should clear their vehicles' windows of any frost before travel.
“Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn, and when in an area with wet leaves,” Gibbs said. “Check your vehicle's headlights, tail lights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many drivers’ morning and/or evening commutes. Make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades.”
