AHOSKIE – ‘Tis the season.

North Carolina Highway Patrol First Sergeant K.P. Pitts is warning motorists in the Roanoke-Chowan region that this is the season for deer to become more active.

“Deer become very active and unpredictable at this time of the year,” First Sgt. Pitts said. “Motorists need to be aware and, if they see a deer on the side of the road, need to slow down and be prepared to take evasive action.”

Pitts said there were various reasons deer were more active at this time of year, including the abundance of deer in the area, mating season coming in and deer hunters with dogs.

“All of these things combine to make them very unpredictable,” he said.

If motorists are involved in an accident involving a deer, First Sgt. Pitts said it was important to have a report filed. He said those who were involved could call *HP to connect directly to the North Carolina Highway Patrol office or could dial 911 to get to the local sheriff’s office.

“If you’re involved in a collision with a deer, most insurance companies require a report to be completed for the claim to be filed on comprehensive insurance,” Sgt. Pitts said.

He further indicated it was important to go ahead and call the highway patrol rather than waiting a few days and calling the insurance company first.

“If you feel safe, remain at the scene and we will dispatch an officer,” the First Sgt. stressed. “If not and the car is drivable, we certainly don’t mind a person going to a safe location to report the incident.”

While most of the accidents involving deer do not result in fatalities, First Sgt. Pitts stressed it was possible and said it did happen last year in Beaufort County.

“It is definitely something to be concerned with,” he said. “There are not only safety issues, but the millions of dollars of property damage caused each year.”