Millions of deer are killed in vehicle collisions annually, representing both a significant welfare crisis and a public safety concern as urban sprawl expands into deer habitat.
Deer struck by vehicles experience severe trauma — broken bones, internal injuries, and neurological damage — and frequently survive the initial collision only to die slowly from their injuries. Laws in most jurisdictions prohibit members of the public from euthanizing injured deer, leaving animals to suffer until authorities arrive. The welfare solution requires both preventing collisions through infrastructure and ensuring rapid humane response when they occur.