HARRISBURG - With deer becoming increasingly active, and the end of daylight saving time putting more vehicles on the road during the hours when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is advising motorists to slow down and stay alert.

"White-tailed deer are entering a period of increased activity and are crossing roads more frequently as a result," said Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough."While drivers should always remain alert and on the lookout for whitetails crossing roads, there is reason to pay particular attention while behind the wheel now and in the coming weeks."Deer become more active in autumn with the lead-up to their fall breeding season, commonly referred to as the "rut."Around this time, many yearling bucks disperse from the areas in which they were born and travel, sometimes several dozen miles, to find new ranges.Meanwhile, adult bucks more often are cruising their home ranges in search of does, and they sometimes chase the does they encounter.Add to this the fact autumn sees a number of people taking part in outdoor activities that might flush deer from forested areas or briar thickets, and that deer are more actively feeding to store energy for winter months, and it quickly becomes evident why motorists might be more likely to encounter deer on roads.When daylight saving time ended Nov. 6, there also was increased vehicular traffic between dusk and dawn - the peak hours for deer activity.Drivers can reduce their chances of collisions with deer by staying alert and better understanding deer behavior.Motorists are urged to pay particular attention while driving on stretches marked with "Deer Crossing" signs.