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Drivers should beware of randy deer causing fatal accidents by bolting across one of Cambridgeshire’s most dangerous roads, a wildlife campaigner has said.

Mark Wilkinson has warned that female deer fleeing across roads from stags during mating season can increase the risk of dangerous collisions - and the notorious A1307 is an animal strike blackspot.

Mr Wilkinson, of Saxon Road, Cambridge said rutting season - where male deer clash horns over mating rights with females - begins in October and runs into November.

“The reason it’s an issue this time of year is because as the rutting season begins the males chase the females across countryside areas,” said Mr Wilkinson, a member of UK wildlife protection.

“These females are trying to get away from the males and will run in female-only groups.

“The problem is when they encounter a road they will all go at once and pay little attention to the fact they are crossing a road because they are distracted and in flight.

“This is often fatal for the animal but also they can be badly injured and suffer terribly. The main concern though is the risk to human life from striking an animal this size.”

Mr Wilkinson, who is also involved with the RSPB and Blue Cross, said that deer being hit by vehicles had increased over the last 10 years, largely due to increased traffic movements.

He added: “Sadly one of the worst roads in Cambridgeshire for large animal strikes is the A1307 between Cambridge and Haverhill.”

He urged the drivers to be aware of deer crossing roads during the next few weeks.

He said: “Deer usually always cross roads in wooded areas as they use the trees for cover.

“If you are entering a wooded area at night slow down and be prepared.

“If one jumps out it is highly likely others will follow so take that into account.

“Speed is a major factor in people being injured and the animals killed so ask - is it necessary to travel at excessive speed on these types of road?”

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “Motorists should be aware of the potential for deer to cross rural roads or those close to woodland and the possibility this could cause a serious collision.

“Speed limits are exactly that and are not targets. Motorists who exceed the speed limit significantly increase their chances of being involved in a serious, or even fatal, collision.”

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