Last year, Sweden experienced a significant surge in traffic accidents involving fallow deer, totaling 6,537 incidents, the highest recorded level according to the Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket). This marks an alarming increase of approximately 50% over the past five years and a 42% rise since 2020, when 4,592 such accidents were reported. The trend highlights ongoing issues with wildlife-related traffic incidents in Sweden, prompting concerns from environmental and wildlife management authorities.

In addition to the increase in fallow deer accidents, the statistics revealed a total of 73,296 reported incidents involving hoofed animals in the country last year. Notably, wild boar accidents also reached record highs, with 9,421 incidents reported, reflecting a 30% rise since 2020. While fallow deer and wild boars contribute to the escalating figures, roe deer accidents remain the most common, with 50,638 reported accidents in the last year. These numbers underscore a growing challenge posed by wildlife interactions on the roads.

To address the surge in wildlife-related traffic accidents, collaboration between hunters, landowners, and authorities is deemed essential. Anders Broby, a wildlife officer, emphasized the critical role hunters play both through hunting practices and by conducting searches for injured animals after accidents. Effective strategies will be necessary to mitigate risks and enhance road safety amidst rising wildlife populations and their associated risks in traffic areas.