The report initially sounds like a curious piece of summer slow news. But in the French region of Saône-et-Loire, the police and authorities are taking the matter very seriously. The gendarmerie is currently advising drivers to exercise particular caution – due to apparently “drunk roe deer” moving disoriented near roads and at the edges of forests.
In fact, behind this unusual warning is a completely natural phenomenon. In forests, orchards, and rural areas, many fruits are falling to the ground. Apples, pears, or plums begin, after a few days, to ferment, especially with mild temperatures and damp weather. Alcohol develops – not in large quantities, but apparently enough to unbalance the wild animals.
Anyone who has passed by an old orchard in autumn knows this sweet and intense smell of fermented fruit. For roe deer, however, it seems to be something rather intoxicating.
Several drivers have reported in recent days animals suddenly running onto the roadways, staying motionless at the roadside, or changing direction uncontrollably. The local gendarmerie describes the behavior as unpredictable. Especially in the early morning hours or at dusk, the risk of serious accidents involving wildlife increases significantly.
Anyone who has passed by an old orchard in autumn knows this sweet and intense smell of fermented fruit. For roe deer, however, it seems to be something rather intoxicating.
Several drivers have reported in recent days animals suddenly running onto the roadways, staying motionless at the roadside, or changing direction uncontrollably. The local gendarmerie describes the behavior as unpredictable. Especially in the early morning hours or at dusk, the risk of serious accidents involving wildlife increases significantly.
And the numbers behind them are not at all negligible. Every year in France, several thousand collisions between vehicles and wild animals are recorded. Among the most frequently involved are roe deer. They react quickly, often suddenly jumping onto the road and are difficult to predict. If an animal is then disoriented by fermented fruits, the risk increases even further.
The authorities therefore recommend proceeding more slowly in forested areas and taking wildlife crossing signs seriously. High beams can help spot animals in time – if oncoming traffic allows it. At the same time, law enforcement warns against swerving sharply when sudden wildlife appears. A hasty steering maneuver often ends up being more dangerous than the collision itself.
Behind this curious story, however, is a bigger picture. Experts have observed for years that encounters between wildlife and human infrastructure are increasing. Forests increasingly border directly on inhabited areas or high-speed roads. At the same time, milder temperatures and longer growing seasons change the behavior of many species. Nature is approaching humans – sometimes literally up to the hood of the car.
On social networks, the gendarmerie’s warning spread quickly. Comments about “wild nights” of Burgundy roe deer or “animal wine tastings” were not lacking. A bit of small-town pub humor seems to be part of the game.
But the officers clarify: a confused wild animal is no joke. Neither for motorists nor for the animals themselves. The unusual warning is therefore mainly intended to prevent one thing: that a bizarre story suddenly turns into a serious accident.
By C. Hatty