Caring for Seabrook Island Wildlife
Per the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), October through December (mating season) are the months when deer activity is highest. More specifically, SCDNR says Lowcountry deer are most active from October to mid-November. 2017 insurance statistics show that SC ranks 11th nationwide in incidents of vehicle/deer accidents. SC drivers have a 1 in 98 likelihood of a collision with a deer. Those odds double from October – December.
Some common sense precautions can help you avoid accidents and injuries:
-Wear your seat belt.
-Be alert and slow down if you see an animal on the side of the road.
-Use your high beams as traffic permits for improved visibility.
-Deer are most active around dawn and between 6:00 and 9:00p.m.
-Use caution near wooded areas were deer are likely to be located. Remember, deer don’t always abide by the deer-crossing signs.
-Where there’s one, there are more. If you see a deer cross the road, expect his friends to follow.
-Don’t swerve to avoid an animal. Use your brakes. Slow down as quickly and safely as you can. Swerving can put you at risk of hitting another vehicle and also confuses the animal about which way to run to avoid impact.
What should you do if you hit a deer with your vehicle?
-If any vehicle occupant is injured, call 911.
-If there are no injuries to vehicle occupants, contact CCSO non-emergency dispatch at 843.743.7200. CCSO will create an incident report to submit to your insurance company.
If the accident occurs on-island, contact SIPOA Security at 843.768.6641 and an officer will respond.
-Do not leave the scene of the accident. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn the hazard lights on.
-Do NOT attempt to approach the deer. Wait for law enforcement/security personnel to arrive.
-Only law enforcement, SC DNR or licensed wildlife professionals can determine if euthanasia is necessary and are authorized to take such action if needed.
-SIPOA Security can contact law enforcement, SC DNR and wildlife professionals, including Wildlife Rehabilitators, if necessary.
Please remember that Seabrook Island Town Ordinances and SIPOA Rules and Regulations prohibit the discharge of any weapons other than those authorized by SIPOA and the Town to thin the deer population as part of a wildlife program.
SIPOA Rules and Regulations state: “The discharging of a firearm, pellet gun, air gun, sling shot, bow and arrow, or any other weapon, for recreational, target or any other purpose, is prohibited within the SID, except as authorized in advance, in writing, by SIPOA.”
For other types of injured wildlife, Security has an extensive list of wildlife rehabilitators to contact for assistance. Call Security if you see an animal you believe is hurt or sick.
The Charleston Animal Society has information on injured animals and how to help ensure they receive the care they need. Go to: https://www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2-INJURED-OR-ORPHANED-WILDLIFE-FOUND.pdf
Re-printed from SIPOA e-blast