Hunting association wants better protection for roe deer in Asse after sad record year with a dozen collisions

The Sint-Hubertus hunting association is urging for enhanced protection measures for roe deer in Asse, Belgium, following a "sad record year" for road accidents involving the animals. Last year, approximately 10 roe deer were killed in collisions with vehicles in Asse, marking the highest number in the entire Flemish Brabant province.

This increase in accidents is attributed to a growing roe deer population across Flanders. Christophe Rutsaert, the association's communication manager, noted that the number of accidents has risen year after year, with around a hundred reported across Flanders last year, a significant jump from about twenty in 2022.

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That are reflectors along the side of the road. When a vehicle approaches, the car lights reflect into the forest. The deer that want to cross are startled and stop for a moment.

While Flemish Brabant doesn't have an exceptionally high number of accidents compared to other provinces, Asse stands out as a clear hotspot. Rutsaert suggests that a specific group of deer likely inhabits the area. To mitigate the risks, the association advocates for measures like "wild mirrors" – reflectors placed along roadsides.

These reflectors are designed to bounce vehicle headlights into the woods when a car approaches. The sudden flash is intended to startle deer attempting to cross the road, causing them to pause and ideally retreat. Rutsaert also advises drivers to reduce their speed in wooded areas, particularly during the current mating season when deer are more active and prone to crossing roads. He emphasizes that such accidents pose dangers to both the animals and drivers, and insurance coverage can be uncertain.

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We therefore recommend reducing your speed in wooded areas anyway. A collision is not only dangerous for the animal, but also for yourself. The damage is also not always covered by insurance. A roe deer has no owner to claim money back from.