The Lithuanian Hunters and Fishermen Society (LMŽD) warns the country’s drivers that with the start of the autumn season, active rutting and migration of large wild animals begin in the forests. During this period, moose and deer lose their innate caution and can run onto the roadway at any moment.
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According to the Lithuanian Road Police, the number of collisions increases several times in autumn. The most dangerous times are early morning from 5 to 8 a.m. and evening dusk from 5 to 10 p.m., when animal movement is most intense and visibility on the roads is poor.
According to LMŽD director Laimonas Daukša, the situation in the country’s forests requires extraordinary driver vigilance, as the deer population in Lithuania has increased dozens of times. “At the peak of autumn migration, animals do not avoid moving on the country’s roads at all, and during rutting, large ungulates lose any self-preservation instinct, so the males become unpredictable and run across roads regardless of car lights or noise,” he says.
Laimonas Daukša strongly urges drivers, if possible, to even avoid unnecessary trips at dawn and dusk, when visibility is poor and animal activity is highest.
“I recommend drivers always reduce speed in forested areas and near the ‘Wild Animals’ road sign, use high beams at night to detect the reflection of animals’ eyes, and avoid honking near the animal so as not to scare it. It is also important to remember that during rutting, a female is often followed by a male, so when seeing one animal, expect a second,” he notes.
LMŽD reminds that in the event of an accident involving a collision with an animal, drivers must immediately call emergency services at 112 and summon the police.
Officers will appropriately inform local hunters about the incident, who are solely responsible for clearing the consequences of the traffic accident and removing the injured or dead animal from the scene.
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