Community Education

Deer-Vehicle Collisions 

Did you know that yearly, there are approximately one million car accidents involving deer in the United States?  In Tega Cay, South Carolina, thirteen deer-vehicle collisions were reported in 2021 and 2022, six collisions in 2023 and fourteen in 2024.  To help you stay safe, we have provided some tips on how to avoid deer-vehicle collisions and what to do if you are involved in one.

Safety Tips

• Stay alert. Please be alert and scan for deer on the road.
• Watch your speed: Speed is a major factor in deer-vehicle collisions.  Drive the posted speed limit!
• Maintain a safe distance: Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others, especially at night. 
• Use your high beams. If you're driving in an area with low or no lighting, turn on your high beams for better visibility.  Don't forget to turn them off if you see another car ahead.
• Look for glowing eyes: When possible, use high beams while driving and keep an eye out for deer eyes reflecting in headlights.
• Don't swerve: If you find yourself in a situation where a collision with a deer is inevitable, it is advisable to apply the brake hard and fast instead of trying to swerve in another direction.  Swerving may lead to a more serious accident with another vehicle, guardrail, or tree.  Therefore, braking firmly, holding onto the steering wheel, and bringing your vehicle to a controlled stop is best.

What to Do If You Hit A Deer

If, despite your best efforts, you hit a deer, there are a few things you should do.

• Pull over if you can: Safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road, out of the way of traffic, if possible.  Ensure you turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the incident.
• Don't touch the deer:  A wounded deer has the potential to be dangerous to others or even cause further harm to itself.
• Call the police: Call the Tega Cay Police Department at 803-548-0340.  

Landscaping

Deer in general prefer plants with lush foliage, high water content, narrow-leafed evergreens, early spring plants and fruiting and berry-producing plants, including vegetable gardens.  

• Plants to Avoid: Arborvitae, Fir, Tulips, Crocuses, Forsythia, Hostas, Daylilies, English Ivy, Vegetables, Fruits

Deer tend to stay away from plants that are poisonousness, prickly, have a strong fragrance, herbs and strong flavored.

• For a list of deer resistant annual and perennial plants native to South Carolina click here.   

Other Landscaping Tips to Consider

• Physical barriers such as fencing yard or individually fencing plants.
•  Installing rows of fishing line to confusion the deer.  
• Growing your garden close to your home.
• Adding levels to your landscaping.
• Using visual deterrents: pinwheels, mirrors, flags, ribbons.
• Using sound deterrents: windchimes, ultrasonic sensors, cans tied to string.
• Deer repellants.
• Well maintained yard.

City of Tega Cay Browse Line Survey

Deer Removal

To request the removal of a dead deer on private property please contact City Hall 803-548-3512 or complete this form.  Please note the the deer must be moved to the front of your property for removal.

Feeding Wildlife

Under City of Tega Cay Ordinance Chapter 6 Section 3, no person shall purposely feed or make food available for consumption by wildlife on private or public property within the City.  No person shall recklessly feed or make food available for consumption by wildlife on private or public property within the City.  Each property owner or person having control of the property shall have the duty to remove any materials or devices placed on the owner's property in violation of this section.  Nothing in this section shall apply to any agent of the City, State, Federal Agency, or York County Animal Control Officers lawfully engaged in a wildlife management program.