New Jersey wildlife officials say drivers should be very cautious of deer while driving because the animal’s mating season has begun.

The state’s Environmental Protection Department says deer are more active during mating season so they’re more likely to run onto roads.

DEP Director Dave Golden says the highest number of deer-related collisions occur during the fall mating season. The department says drivers should be especially careful during evening commutes because that’s when deer are most active.

The peak mating season for deer runs from late October to mid-December in New Jersey.