Why the City Does Not Install Deer Crossing Signs at Specific Locations

Overview

Deer crossing signs are not used to mark exact spots where deer frequently cross. Because deer are migratory and move unpredictably, signs are only installed in general areas where deer activity is consistently high. These signs serve as a general warning to drivers, not a marker of a specific crossing point.

Understanding Deer Crossing Sign Placement

Residents sometimes request deer crossing signs to mark a particular spot where deer have been seen. While this is understandable, the migratory nature of deer makes their movement patterns unpredictable. Deer do not use the same crossing point every time, and their paths can vary significantly throughout the year.

For this reason, the City does not place signs at individual, specific locations.

Deer crossing signs are installed only in areas where there is a known pattern of high deer activity along a roadway segment. These signs:

• Alert drivers that deer may appear anywhere along that stretch of road

• Encourage drivers to reduce speed and stay alert

• Improve driver awareness in zones where deer encounters are more likely

They are not intended to indicate a designated or predictable crossing point.

When traveling through a posted deer-crossing zone, drivers should:

• Use caution throughout the entire signed segment

• Be prepared for sudden deer movement

• Remember that deer often travel in groups and if one crosses, others may follow