Why you're seeing more deer near Kentucky interstates this winter

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — If you've noticed more deer lingering along Kentucky’s interstates recently, there's a good reason for it.

The heavy snowfall three weeks ago didn’t just make things difficult for drivers, but also had a big impact on wildlife, including deer searching for food.

During the last snowfall, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plow trucks spread salt to keep the roads clear. But in doing so, they also provided deer with an essential nutrient.

"In combination with the heat coming off of the vehicles going down the interstates, those shoulders are melting off faster than everywhere around them," explained Tommy Apostolopoulos, a wildlife biologist with the Deer Program.

“Every winter, especially in western states where there's a lot of snow and salt, we see this behavior,” Apostolopoulos said. “Animals are just like us —they need salt and minerals. When everything is covered in snow, and a bunch of salt gets dumped in one place, they're naturally drawn to it.”

Standing along Interstate 71 in Oldham County might feel like being in the middle of a forest, but it’s actually a prime location for deer.

The median provides running water, plenty of brush, and fallen trees, ideal conditions for deer to thrive. Last week, more than 40 deer were counted foraging along that stretch of interstate, and biologists said this is normal behavior for whitetails at this time of year.

In addition to the availability of salt, safety may also be a factor. According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, nearly 150,000 deer were harvested this past hunting season. A map provided by the department shows that some of the highest numbers of deer were taken from areas along the I-71 corridor. For some deer, the median may feel like a safer place to avoid hunters.

Deer aren’t just flocking to I-71. Apostolopoulos noted similar sightings along the Western Kentucky Parkway, though not as prominently. The heavy snowfall in northern Kentucky, combined with the high human population in the region, has made interstates an unexpected refuge for deer.

With more deer gathering near the roads, drivers should be extra cautious—especially when salt trucks are out. Those deer-crossing signs aren’t just for decoration. They’re a real warning that wildlife may be just around the bend, especially in winter when salt-covered roads offer an irresistible attraction.

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