Yes, it’s the mating season – known as the rut (from the Latin word "rugire" meaning “the roar”) for certain mammals including ruminants such as deer, sheep, goats, and bison, and extends to others like skunks and elephants. But no elephants here.
During the rutting period, males show an increase in aggression and often rub their antlers or horns on trees or shrubs, fight with each other, wallow in the mud or dust, self-anoint, and herd females together. To make friends, of course. Friends with benefits!
These bucks are not thinking straight.
So slow down and assume deer or other horned animals are just around the corner. Where there is one, there are likely more. Known as Deervember, North Idaho sees more wildlife than any other time of year. North Idaho also has the highest population of whitetail deer in the state.
Bucks weigh from 100 to 300 pounds while females weigh from 80-150 pounds. Hitting elk, moose or deer can be disastrous to your vehicle leading to a total loss – meaning the repairs are more expensive than the resale or market value of your vehicle. Or just a lot of damage.
What can you do?
1. Expect wildlife and slow down
2. Ask your passengers to be your extra eyes
3. Put on your high beams on dark or country roads (d
Wildlife is a fact of life in the Wilderness State. Idaho is the third largest state with protected, public lands to keep it natural and beautiful – after Nevada and Utah. So be nice to our deer friends!
Remember, if you see one deer crossing the road, there are likely more wanting to follow.
If you do hit wildlife, be sure to get your vehicle towed here, or come over if it's still drivable. No matter the time of day or weekends, we will respond to your text. And so start your insurance claim including photos of the damage. Once you have your claim number and inform your insurance provider of your desire to work with Anderson’s Autobody, the rest is straightforward. Remember, you have the right to choose your own body shop - not your insurance company