Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue has once again urged motorists to exercise caution after they were called to an incident where a deer sadly died after it had been struck by a car.
The organisation has taken to social media to spread awareness for at least the second time in recent months, in a bid to reduce incidents at the peak season for deer related collisions.
Earlier this week volunteers were called to Kings Road, a known hotspot for deer collisions, after an adult female roe deer was hit by a vehicle. The animal sadly died at the scene.
A spokesperson for Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue wrote: “A sad start to the night as volunteers have just attended an adult female roe deer struck by a vehicle on Kings Road, Cleethorpes.
“This is one of the previously mentioned hotspots for deer collisions, and although the finder couldn’t give us any more detail than Kings Road, we had a hunch that the deer would be near Meridian Showground—and she was! Unfortunately, although it only took 20 minutes between the initial call and our arrival, the Roe had already passed away. “
It is understood volunteers moved the deer away from the road and arranged disposal with the council.
They continued: “As this is one of our hotspots, we do remind drivers to be cautious, particularly when coming across the bridge between Pleasure Island and Meridian Showground, as the view of the road ahead is restricted and is a common deer collision site.
“Working with local authorities, we regularly pass on information about wildlife collision hotspots. In the past, this has meant new street signage was erected to remind drivers of the higher probability of wildlife in the road ahead. Thank you to our volunteers for attending so quickly!”
To help avoid a collision, drivers have been asked to be aware of triangle road signs with a deer in the centre, as these are often placed on roads with frequent wildlife collisions. You should be especially careful at night or early dusk/dawn, and slow down when approaching a bend until you can see the road ahead is clear. If your headlights are on, use full-beams when you can, but dip them if you see deer as they may ‘freeze.’ If you do encounter deer, you should prepare to stop for more than one, as others often follow.
If you are involved in a deer collision, you should pull over where safe to do so, put on your hazard lights and ensure you and your passengers are okay. You should the take note of the location and alert your nearest wildlife rescue or the police. Do not sit on the road or on the roadside with the deer; this puts you and other road users in danger, and adds to the stress on the animal.
Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue can be contacted by calling 01472472217.
Anyone wishing to donate to Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue’s vital work can do so via this link.
(Image: Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue)
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.