Zemst (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The municipality of Zemst warns drivers as 170 roe deer become active during rutting season. 3 deer were recently hit. Alderman Joeri Van den Brande urges caution near high-risk roads.
As VRT News reported, the municipality of Zemst, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, has warned drivers to be extra careful on the roads. Deer are moving more as the mating season begins. In the past few weeks, 3 deer have been found dead after being hit by cars.
Authorities say accidents can happen suddenly because deer often cross roads without warning. Drivers are advised to slow down, especially near wildlife crossing signs, and to watch carefully at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
What measures is Zemst taking as deer crossings rise this rutting season?
Officials are hopeful that the alert will help avert future mishaps. The agency is also asking residents to report any deer sightings near roadways. The municipality is intending to implement additional safety precautions, like signs and patrols, where deer tend to cross roadways most often.
According to officials, 170 roe deer roam the space, and they are primarily active during twilight hours. The rutting season is generally from mid-July until mid-August, but this year the rutting season began a couple of weeks later than in normal years because of seasonal changes.
“So, it’s best to adjust your driving behaviour during those times,”
says Alderman for Spatial Planning Joeri Van den Brande (Green).
“Especially in open areas and near forest edges.”
“With these signs, we want to highlight the most important hotspots,”
said Van den Brande.
“Because deer are active in specific areas, we can use the signs in a targeted manner.”
The new signs will be placed along Elewitsesteenweg, Zestsesteenweg, and Grimbergsesteenweg. Authorities hope that the signs will alert drivers, reduce accidents, and protect both residents and the local deer population.
A 70-year-old motorcyclist was critically injured after colliding with a deer on Mechelsebaan in Duffel on June 24, 2025. The deer, which had suddenly appeared near Naalstraat, caused the rider to lose control and fall. Emergency services transported the man to the University Hospital Antwerp (UZA). The injured deer was retrieved by a member of the local hunting association and was likely euthanised due to its condition.
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