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The AAA in Oklahoma says collisions between vehicles and deer on roadways in the state are becoming more likely as the deer mating season begins.

AAA spokesman Chuck Mai says cooler autumn temperatures signal the start of the mating season and deer can be especially unpredictable. Mai says it’s important for drivers to stay alert and expect the unexpected.

AAA Insurance reports a total of 307 auto claims in Oklahoma last year, — up from 234 in 2013 — that were identified as animal-related. The average claim was $3,404.

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reports that in 2011, the latest year for which Oklahoma deer crash statistics are available, there were 467 reported crashes involving deer, resulting in two fatalities and 184 injuries.

Sixty percent of the crashes occurred at night.

Topics Auto Claims Oklahoma