You can expect deer activity to increase between October and December in Tennessee because it's mating season. Thousands of deer versus car crashes are investigated in Tennessee every year. But this time of year, they're more likely to happen.
If you spot a dead deer on the side of the road, you can call the Tennessee Department of Transportation to clean it up.
Kathryn Schulte said, "It is a priority for us ya know because the longer that stuff stay out there the grosser it gets."
From July 1, 2017 to October 22nd, 2018 TDOT spent $6,149,498 on "special litter" cleanup which includes roadkill.
Schulte said, "Once the weather turns chilly we do start seeing a lot more deceased deer on the side of the road."
There is a road kill bill in Tennessee too. If drivers report it to the TWRA, and it's an accident, it's legal to take dead deer home for dinner. However, it's not always safe to do that.
Schulte said, "People get lulled into a false sense of security when they're on the side of the road. The reality is, cars are speeding by you very quickly and there's no barrier between you and the cars on the road. So if you do choose to pull over you need to use extreme caution."
If you spot a dead deer on the side of the road you can call TDOT at 615-350-4300 or email them at TDOT.comments@tn.gov
Usually, workers pick up carcasses between 9a.m. and 3p.m. If it's a public safety matter, or injuries are involved, call police.
