How common are deer collisions in Hokkaido?

Very common. Hokkaido Government figures based on Hokkaido Police data show 6,705 deer-related traffic accidents in 2025, up 1,245 from 2024. The number has risen every year since 2017.

When are deer collisions most likely in Hokkaido?

In autumn and early winter, and in the evening. The Hokkaido Government says about 41% happen in October and November, when deer breed and move to their wintering areas, and over 70% between 4 pm and midnight.

Do I need to call the police if I hit a deer with a rental car?

Yes. Call 110 from the scene. The Hokkaido Government says you must also contact the rental company after a traffic accident. Rental companies say insurance may not apply to accidents that were not reported to the police.

What should I do if a deer jumps out in front of me?

Brake firmly and slow down. Hokkaido Police warn that swerving suddenly can make you leave the road or hit an oncoming car. Then watch for more deer, because they move in groups.

Who do I call about a dead deer on the road?

Call the road emergency dial #9910. It takes calls 24 hours a day and is free from mobile phones. If you hit the deer yourself, call the police on 110.

Deer collisions in Hokkaido: how to avoid them and what to do after

Deer collisions are a real risk when you drive in Hokkaido. In 2025 there were 6,705 traffic accidents involving Ezo deer, according to Hokkaido Police data published by the Hokkaido Government. Most happen in October and November and between 4 pm and midnight, so slow down at dusk and at night and expect more deer to follow the first one. If you hit a deer, treat it as a traffic accident: call the police on 110 and your rental company from the scene.

How many deer collisions are there in Hokkaido?

The number has gone up every year since 2017. Most of these accidents damage only the car, but some injure people.

Year	Deer-related traffic accidents (all Hokkaido)
2021	4,009
2022	4,480
2023	5,287
2024	5,460
2025	6,705 (7 with injuries, none fatal)

Source: Hokkaido Government, Ezo deer traffic accidents in 2025 (data from Hokkaido Police Traffic Planning Division) (checked on 26 October 2026)

Collisions happen all over Hokkaido. In 2025, the subprefectures with the most were Iburi (1,029), Kushiro (868), Ishikari (846), Kamikawa (605) and Okhotsk (589).

Source: Hokkaido Government, Ezo deer traffic accidents in 2025 (checked on 26 October 2026)

An Ezo deer is large. Hokkaido Police say males weigh 90–140 kg and females 70–100 kg, so a collision can badly damage a car.

Source: Hokkaido Police, Traffic Safety Information No. 47 (checked on 26 October 2026)

When and where do deer collisions happen most?

Ezo deer (エゾシカ) are the wild deer of Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Government asks drivers to take particular care at dawn and dusk.

When	What the official data says
Season	About 41% happen in October and November, when deer breed and move to their wintering areas
Busiest months (2025)	October: 1,531 accidents (22.8%); November: 1,206 (18.0%)
Time of day	Over 70% happen between 4 pm and midnight

Source: Hokkaido Government, Preventing traffic accidents with Ezo deer; Ezo deer traffic accidents in 2025 (checked on 26 October 2026)

Collisions still happen in other months. In 2025 there were at least 154 in every month, and 616 in September.

The Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau publishes deer collision maps of Hokkaido in English and Traditional Chinese. They show where collisions on national roads are frequent. Besides the all-Hokkaido map, there are regional maps for Kushiro–Nemuro, central Hokkaido (around Tomakomai) and Asahikawa–Furano. Check the map for your route before you go.

Source: Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Ezo deer collision maps (checked on 26 October 2026)

What does the deer warning sign look like?

Japan has a warning sign that means “animals may run out” (sign number 214-2 in the national list). Warning signs tell drivers about a hazard ahead and ask them to drive carefully. In Hokkaido, the Development Bureau asks drivers to pay attention to deer warning signs and not to speed.

Source: Kyoto Prefecture, Warning signs; Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Muroran, Deer collision leaflet (checked on 26 October 2026)

When you see the sign, slow down and watch both sides of the road.

How do I avoid hitting a deer?

The Hokkaido Government, Hokkaido Police and the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau give this advice:

Slow down. This is the most important step. At a lower speed you have more time to brake and the impact is smaller.
Take extra care at dawn, at dusk and at night, especially in October and November.
Watch for glowing eyes. At night, deer eyes reflect your headlights. Slow down if you see something shining near the road.
Use high beams when they will not dazzle other drivers. You will see deer sooner.
Expect more deer. Deer move in groups. When one crosses, others often follow.
Do not expect the deer to move. Deer may freeze when a car comes, or slip on the road surface.
Brake, do not swerve. Hokkaido Police warn that swerving suddenly can make you leave the road or hit an oncoming car.

Source: Hokkaido Government, Preventing traffic accidents with Ezo deer; Hokkaido Police, Traffic Safety Information No. 47; Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Muroran, Deer collision leaflet (checked on 26 October 2026)

What should I do if I hit a deer on an ordinary road?

A collision with a deer is a traffic accident. Follow the same steps as for any accident:

Move the car to a safe place if you can, and turn off the engine.
Warn other drivers with your hazard lights and a warning triangle.
If anyone is hurt, call 119 for an ambulance.
Call the police on 110 and follow their instructions. 110 works from mobile phones without an area code, 24 hours a day.
Call your rental company. The Hokkaido Government says rental car drivers must report an accident to the rental company.

Source: Hokkaido Government, What to do after a traffic accident; Sapporo City, Ezo deer (checked on 26 October 2026)

If you see a dead deer lying on the road (and you did not hit it), call the road emergency dial #9910. It takes calls 24 hours a day and is free from mobile phones. Sapporo City notes that on roads other than expressways and national roads, the response at night, at weekends and on holidays may be limited.

Source: Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Muroran, Deer collision leaflet; Sapporo City, Ezo deer (checked on 26 October 2026)

If you hit another large animal, follow the same steps.

What should I do if I hit a deer on an expressway?

Stopping on an expressway is much more dangerous than on an ordinary road. NEXCO East gives these steps for any accident or breakdown on its expressways:

Turn on your hazard lights. Set out a flare and a warning triangle if you can do so safely.
Get everyone out of the car, watching for traffic, and move to a safe place such as behind the guardrail. Do not wait in or next to the car, and do not walk on the lanes or the shoulder.
From the safe place, call 110, use an expressway emergency phone, or dial #9910.
Call your rental company.

Source: NEXCO East, If you have an accident or breakdown on the expressway (checked on 26 October 2026)

For more on Hokkaido’s expressways, see Japan expressways, ETC cards and the Hokkaido Expressway Pass.

Will I pay anything to the rental company?

You may. Hitting a deer is treated like any other accident, so the rental company’s accident rules apply. Our rental car insurance guide explains them:

If you do not have a collision damage waiver (CDW), you may pay a deductible for damage to the car.
A non-operation charge (NOC) may be charged for the time the car cannot be rented out while it is repaired. CDW does not cover it.
Rental companies say insurance may not apply if you did not report the accident to the police from the scene. Always call 110, even if the damage looks small.

The exact rules differ by company. Check your rental agreement, and ask the company when you call from the scene.

Driving in Hokkaido in winter? See also Winter driving in Hokkaido.