Hungry rutting stags increase collision risk on A9
At a glance
Electronic warning signs have appeared on a stretch of the A9 warning drivers of the risk of collisions with deer
NatureScot said red deer crossed the road at Navidale as they moved from moorland to pastures on lower ground
It said the animals included stags recovering the rutting season
Navidale is among Scotland's top 10 places for high numbers of recorded deer collisions
- Published
Stags seeking out rich pastures to help them recover from the rutting season have heightened the potential risk of crashes on a stretch of the A9.
NatureScot said a 500m (1,640ft) section of the trunk road at Navidale, Sutherland, was one of Scotland's top 10 sites, external for the highest numbers of recorded collisions between traffic and deer.
The rutting season lasts from September to early November and sees adult male deer fight for the attention of female mates.
NatureScot said red deer, including stags, crossed the A9 at Navidale as they moved from high moorland to lower ground to seek food and shelter from autumn and winter weather.
Scotland's nature body is working with Transport Scotland and road maintenance company Bear Scotland to raise awareness of the crash risk.
Electronic warning signs will be in place in the area until 22 November advising drivers to slow down and to look out for deer.
NatureScot said there had been 10 collisions in recent years.
The agency said: "Red deer stags in particular may be tempted to richer feeding grounds to recover following their autumn rutting activity."
Navidale is the only Highland location on the organisation's list of 10 worst locations in Scotland for deer collisions.
It said the rest were in central Scotland with accidents involving young roe deer as they moved to new territories in spring. Roe deer are smaller than red deer.
- Published11 July 2023
