Displaying items by tag: deer

State officials are warning drivers to beware of deer, as November is typically the month with the most deer-related crashings in Ohio.

Governor Mike DeWine urging safe practices on state roadways, including reducing distracted driving, especially at dusk and dawn, when deer are most active.

See the full press release from the Ohio Department of Insurance below: 

COLUMBUS – Drivers should always stay alert, but that is especially true during November, the leading month for deer-vehicle crashes in Ohio. Last November nearly 3,800 incidents occurred on the state’s roadways. 

Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Richard S. Fambro and Ohio Department of Insurance Director Jillian Froment urge drivers to avoid distractions and use safe driving techniques. 

“The most deer-vehicle crashes happen in November,” Governor Mike DeWine said. "And we want to remind Ohioans to drive safely, making sure to scan the road ahead for deer, especially at dawn and dusk.”     

“Motorists must always be vigilant and ready to react to any situation,” Colonel Fambro said. “If you see a deer in the roadway, slow down, but do not swerve. If you strike a deer, move to a safe place, turn your hazard lights on and report the accident.” 

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. Drivers should scan the road and shoulders ahead, and use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. Experts also recommend conducting an insurance review.  

“It is essential to remain attentive when driving and avoiding distractions in order to keep you and your family safe,” Froment said. “It is also important to complete an insurance review and make sure you have adequate insurance in the event of an accident.” 

The optional comprehensive coverage (also known as “other than collision” coverage) portion of an auto insurance policy often is used to pay for deer-vehicle damage repair. Collision or liability-only policies do not cover the damage. Be certain to photograph or video any damage to support an insurance claim. 

A total of 18,200 deer-related crashes occurred last year across the state. The top counties where incidents occurred were Stark (486), Trumbull (428), Richland (426), Hancock (424), Williams (413), Wood (412), Clermont (380), Defiance (369), Lorain (367), and Hamilton (366). Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties experienced 285 and 232 incidents, respectively.

Safe driving tips are available at www.publicsafety.ohio.gov and insurance information can be found at www.insurance.ohio.gov.  

Michael Modjallal of Akron was killed while driving through western Pennsylvania when a deer went through his windshield.

The accident reportedly happened just after 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon, along State Route 68 in Connoquenessing. 

WKYC.com is reporting that state police say another driver hit the deer, sending it airborne and then through the windshield of Modjallal's SUV.

His passenger, identified as his wife Lucia Modjallal, was hospitalized with undisclosed injuries.

No one else was reportedly injured. 

AKRON, Ohio – On Friday, Aug. 24, the Akron Zoo revealed the names for its new babies. Earlier this month, the zoo asked the public to help choose names for the Humboldt penguin chick and Siberian musk deer fawn during its “Oh Deer! Waddle We Name Them?” naming contest, sponsored by Akron Children’s Hospital.

The male penguin chick will be named Rico, which means “brave ruler” in Spanish. The female musk deer fawn’s name is Alina (a-lee-nah), which means “beautiful” in Russian.

Rico, the penguin chick, hatched on June 1, and Alina, the musk deer fawn, was born on June 13. Both babies have made their public debut and are now in their respective habitats daily.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $9 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $3. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.

Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation zoo with over 700 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the zoo strives to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

(Akron Zoo) The Akron Zoo has welcomed two babies this summer! A male Humboldt penguin chick hatched on June 1, and a female Siberian musk deer fawn born on June 13. 

The two babies currently do not have a name, and we need your help to choose! Pick your favorite name for each animal below. The naming contest begins July 24 and will run through Aug. 8 at noon. 

The penguin chick has not yet made his public debut yet. Before venturing out into the penguin habitat, the chick needs to eat on his own, molt his down feathers and pass a swim test, which is anticipated to happen later this summer.  

The musk deer fawn is currently working up to her big debut and is expected to be out in the musk deer habitat in the next couple weeks.

Make sure to like the Akron Zoo on Facebook for updates on each baby and up-to-date news on when the babies will make their public debut. 

Visit AkronZoo.org to vote!