Drivers on U.S. Highway 51 between Brighton and Collierville got more than icy lanes after a recent snowstorm, as large herds of white-tailed deer suddenly turned the route into their personal migration corridor. Video and photos that quickly made the rounds online showed two dozen to roughly 30 deer moving single file across the highway and through nearby parking lots, with at least one animal darting right in front of a moving vehicle. Commuters described the sudden crossings as unnerving, and the scenes prompted fresh reminders from wildlife officials to take it slow and expect the unexpected.
As reported by WREG, Brighton resident Jessica Hall-Griggs captured video of at least two dozen deer marching across Highway 51 in a tight line, then warned other motorists online to be extra careful on their drive after one deer bolted directly in front of her car. The report also highlights a separate social media post that showed around 30 deer strolling through a Brighton school parking lot in broad daylight. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency told WREG that seeing big herds move around after a snowstorm is not unusual and identified the behavior as “yarding.”
Why Deer Bunch Up After Snow
Wildlife biologists call that kind of winter gathering “yarding,” a survival move where deer cluster in sheltered areas to conserve energy, share packed-down trails and reach whatever forage is available, according to the U.S. Forest Service species review. During periods of heavy snow or extreme cold, deer may lie low for days, then move together once conditions ease. That group movement often funnels them across busy roads and into suburban lots, which is why drivers suddenly see wave after wave of deer in the hours or days following a major storm.
How Drivers Can Avoid Collisions
Transportation and wildlife-safety experts advise motorists to slow down, use high beams when it is safe and legal, and brake firmly instead of swerving if a deer steps into the lane, since swerving often leads to more serious crashes. The Wildlife Roadsharing Resource Centre notes that deer typically travel in groups, so seeing one usually means more are on the way, and that a quick flash of headlights or a short horn blast can sometimes help. Leaving extra travel time after major storms and carefully scanning road shoulders at dawn and dusk can further cut the risk of a collision…