Motorists are being warned to watch out for deer on the roads as a traditional peak period for animal collisions approaches.
Vehicle accidents involving the animals are most common at this time of year as young deer disperse to look for their own territories.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is working with Transport Scotland to place warning messages on roadside boards on trunk roads across Scotland which are deemed to be high risk.
These include stretches of the A9 between Perth and Inverness and the A90 between Stonehaven and Aberdeen.
Aberdeen also tops the list for most urban area deer collisions.
The messages will warn motorists to watch their speed because of the high risk of deer on the road.
The most recent research shows there are more than 7,000 collisions between motor vehicles and deer every year in Scotland, with an average of 65 of these resulting in human injuries.
Dr Jochen Langbein, deer collision consultant to SNH, said: “Late spring is when we see a large rise in the level of movement by deer across main roads as especially young roe deer disperse away from the areas in which they were born.”
Sinclair Coghill, SNH wildlife management officer, said: “We should all be aware of the risk of deer on the road when we’re driving, especially at this time of year. The risk is higher from dusk through to early morning when deer are more active.
“We’d ask motorists to slow down and watch for deer crossing in front of traffic. Be particularly alert if you’re driving near woods where deer can appear suddenly before you have time to brake.
“If you do hit a deer, report it to the police, as the deer may be fatally injured and suffering.”
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