POLICE are urging motorists to take care after a several deer were fatally wounded on the region’s roads this monring.

At 6.35am, a member of the public rang police reporting a young deer in the middle of Seamer Road, Scarborough, which had been hit by a car.

At 7am, North Yorkshire Police officers on patrol came across a badly injured deer at the side of the road on the A19 south of Thirsk.

And a short time later, at 7.10am, the Highways Agency reported a deer had just been hit by a vehicle on the A1(M) near junction 51, Leeming Bar.

Officers attended to assist, and a rolling road-block had to be put in place.

None of the deer survived.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said today: “It’s possible that, with quieter traffic due the coronavirus restrictions, wildlife is less likely to avoid roads.

“So we’re asking people to take extra care on their essential journeys. Always expect the unexpected, especially at night and on roads through rural areas.

“In particular, when you see deer warning signs or are travelling through a wooded area, check your speed, stay alert, and be prepared to stop.

“If your headlights are on, use full-beams when you can, but dip them if you do see a deer, as they may ‘freeze’. More deer may follow the first one you see, so keep vigilant.

“These incidents also highlight the risk of making unnecessary journeys – you could be involved in a collision, even through no fault of your own, which puts a strain on resources that could be focused on fighting Covid-19.”