The Ministry of Transportation has said that there were just under 13,000 crashes involving vehicles and wild animals in 2012. An Ontario politician says we need to do more to reduce the deer population, and by “doing more,” he means more hunting.
According to MPP Monte McNaughton (PC — Lambton-Kent-Middlesex), hunters need to be hunting more deer to protect drivers. He calls it “a public safety issue.” He added, “The number of hunters is fairly consistent. We should look at increased deer quotas, expanded deer hunting season and special deer hunts. In certain areas, deer populations are exploding.
“I do think the Ministry of Natural Resources needs to work with different stakeholders so senseless and tragic accidents like this don’t happen. Public safety should be the No. 1 government concern and the Liberals are turning a blind eye to this.”
From a police perspective, OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor says that they have been seeing more car collisions involving a deer. He estimates that Ontario saw 14,000 deer-vehicle collisions last year alone, or approximately 40 collisions with deer every day in Ontario.
On the other hand, Mike Gatt, a regional wildlife specialist with the Natural Resources Ministry, says that deer populations are the lowest they have been in the past eight years. Hunters are allowed to kill one deer each season, he says, and no additional deer seals have been issued in the London area, which is a sign that the Ministry doesn’t think the area has too many deer.
Whether or not the government decides to permit hunters to hunt more deer, drivers driving in areas with a deer population will have to remain on the alert. A collision with a deer can cause serious harm to the driver or his or her passengers and can potentially be fatal.
If you are involved in a collision with a deer or any other animal, or if an animal hits you, it is important to report the accident to the police, especially if you or any of your passengers have been injured and/or if there is considerable damage done to your vehicle. Reporting the accident is also important for insurance purposes since you may not benefit from coverage if you fail to do so. Speak to a lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected if you have been involved in an accident. For additional information, visit our accidents section.
