Deer Share The Road!

As a deer’s habitat becomes more and more urbanized, the risk of becoming roadkill increases. Roadkill of deer generally occurs because drivers don’t see the animal before it’s too late. Since this is such a rampant issue among the deer community, deer have adapted a shiny, chatoyant, and almost iridescent coat of fur. Due to the longer nights during winter, and the thicker fur, the coat grows in stronger and brighter. During the warmer summer months, the coat is thinner and less reflective, however, the reflective effect persists. This adaptation helps motorists to better see the deer and avoid collisions. In conclusion, deer will adapt a shiny coat to alert drivers of their presence on the road. This is a symbiotic adaptation, as it enhances the safety of both deer and humans on the roads.