As fall turns to winter, wildlife activity across the region increases, and so does the risk of vehicle collisions. Jerauld County Sheriff Jason Weber reminds motorists to stay alert and know their responsibilities if an accident occurs.
“This time of year, everything in nature is in transition,” Sheriff Weber said. “Crops are coming out of the fields, food sources and cover are disappearing, and people are out harvesting, hunting, or moving livestock. All that activity means wildlife are on the move, often into areas and across roads where we don’t usually see them.”
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, 4,683 vehicle crashes involving wild animals were reported statewide in 2024. That number includes everything from buffalo and elk to pheasants, raccoons, and deer, with deer responsible for the vast majority of incidents. Weber urges motorists to take a few simple precautions to minimize their risk:
• Avoid distractions, such as your phone, while driving.
• Watch both sides of the road, as deer and other animals may dart out unexpectedly.
• Drive defensively during peak wildlife activity times: early morning, at dusk, and throughout the night.
“We’ve already seen numerous dead deer along the county roads this fall,” Weber said. “If you hit a deer or any other wildlife, remember that it’s not just good practice to report it, it’s the law.”
Under South Dakota law, any accident involving bodily injury or property damage of $1,000 or more must be reported immediately to the nearest law enforcement officer with jurisdiction. That includes accidents involving wildlife.
“If you are involved in an accident, please call 911 or the Jerauld County Sheriff’s Office nonemergency number 605539-1311.,” Weber said.