(12-6-23) According to recent Jay County Sheriff’s Office crash reports it indicates that deer are on the move around the county.

Recently three deer were hit by vehicles at various sites within the county…along with a cow.

Three Deer

Around 6:10 p.m. on Friday Donna L. Durham (39) Hartford City, was driving a 2002 Ford F-150 northwest on Como Road near county road 900 South when a deer ran in front of her vehicle. Durham swerved to avoid hitting the deer, causing the vehicle to roll into the field.

Around 5:44 p.m. Saturday William H. Bolka (67) Muncie, was driving south on U.S. 27 just south of county road 300 North when a deer ran in front of his 2018 Toyota Tundra and he hit the animal.

Around 8:10 p.m. on November 27 Zavier A. Lee (27) Portland, was driving on county road 300 North near the intersection with county road 750 West when a deer ran in front of his 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. Lee wasn’t able to avoid hitting the animal.

…and a Cow

Around 6:44 p.m. on November 29th Todd R. Eley (57) was driving his 2016 Polaris Ranger along the road when a cow ran in front of his path and he wasn’t able to stop before hitting the animal. Eley’s vehicle was towed due to disabling damage.

All four vehicles according to the reports received extensive damages.

According to Progressive Insurance…

More than one million car accidents involve deer each year, resulting in $1 billion in damage.

Deer are most active at dawn, dusk, and for a few hours after the sun sets. They’re also more prevalent during mating season, which runs from October to January. Animal strike claims are more than twice as likely in November than any other time of the year.