MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The service bays at Advanced Collision on Route 611 in Pocono Township near Bartonsville are full, and staff are fixing up cars for drivers who hit a deer.
"Typically it is front end damage there are side impacts from deer running into cars," said Owner Steve Jurasits.
Jurasits says this is just the start of a busy time with people coming in after hitting a deer. One SUV brought in still has deer hairs stuck to the bumper.
"The last two or three weeks, we've seen three to four cars come in a week unexpectedly. That doesn't take into consideration the cars that are scheduled," said Jurasits.
According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, now is the time of year when the whitetail deer are on the move.
"That is driven by the white trails breeding season known as the rut. During that time, deer and bucks in particular, will cover a lot more ground," said Travis Lau, the communications director for the Game Commission,
Lau says drivers should stay alert while behind the wheel, especially at night.
"Keep an eye on the shoulder for those glowing green eyes of the whitetail deer. If a deer does cross the road in front of you, don't assume the danger has also passed because deer often travel in groups," said Lau.
As far as the price tag after hitting a deer, Jurasits say the damage done to a car can turn into thousands of dollars.
"With the amount of safety components that are build into it there are sensors, cameras and radars, they need to be replaced it they are damaged. After they are replaced they need to be recalibrated," explained Jurasits.
The Game Commission says the rut season lasts through November.