It was a glorious day for e-mountain biking, and I began a fun, twisty descent on the Van Michael Trail, located at Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Park in Canton, GA. I chose a smart line on a high tight berm and as I exited and prepared press down on my crank, I found myself face to face with a large White-Tail doe! It froze on the trail, and I squeezed my brakes, quickly looking for a path around it. A literal second before impact, she jumped off trail and took off into the woods. I came within a few feet of running into her! E-Mountain biking with deer can be a both a wonderful and hazardous experience!
Need an example? During the 2013 Monster Cross and Mountain Bike race, near Richmond VA, cyclist Jeff Plassman was knocked off his bike by a leaping deer. Despite the unexpected trail feature, Plassman remounted and completed the race! wtvr.com
As mountain bikers exploring the scenic trails of the Southeast, we’re often privileged to encounter wildlife in their natural habitats. It is one of the many reasons that I ride. Among these encounters, deer stand out as beautiful, curious, and sometimes unpredictable trail companions. Here’s what you should know about sharing the trails with deer, and how to stay safe when encountering these large animals.
Common Deer of the Southeast
White-Tailed Deer
White-Tails are likely what you imagine when you think of deer, unless it’s the holiday season and the deer in mind has a red nose. They are everywhere in the Southeast, including woods, grassy valleys, swamps, and even in suburban and urban areas. They have brown or reddish-brown coat in summer, transitioning to grayish brown in winter. The white underside of the tail, raised when alarmed, is where they get their name. With White-Tails, you rarely see just one, and if you do see one ahead of you, tap on the brakes because there is probably more lurking about. At first glance, White-Tails look fairly plain but are amazingly camouflaged when in their element, and thus, sometimes cause or are victims of bike accidents.
- Fun Fact: Most white-tailed live between 6 and 8 years, but the oldest one on record was a doe in Georgia that lived 22 years!
Elk
A very large deer species, usually encountered north of Georgia, sport a tan to reddish-brown coat, and have darker brown neck and legs. Bulls have prominent, branching antlers, sometimes over 6 ft wide and weighing over 30lbs. Elk are one of the largest mammals in the eastern United States and, outside of bears, the largest animals that you may encounter in the Southeast. Primary habitat is the Great Smoky Mountains and the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. While not always aggressive, elks are unpredictable and can be dangerous to e-mountain bikers, especially during calving seasons (May-June) and the rut (September-October).
- Fun Fact: Male elks can reach 700lbs and charge at up to 45mph! Keep that in mind and remember that your eMTB motor will kick off at 20MPH!
Other Deer Species
Sika Deer are a non-native species, found primarily in Maryland and some parts of Virginia. They are smaller than white-tails, with spotted coat during summer; dark brown to black in winter. Antlers are branched and short. Sika Deer are an Asian species introduced to the US in the early 1900s and prefer marshes and thick wetlands.
Florida Key Deer are a small, endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer native to the Florida Keys. Standing about 24-32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 50-80 pounds, these deer are known for their compact size and adaptability to subtropical habitats. Their small stature and docile behavior make them particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of cautious interaction, especially in recreational activities like mountain biking.
Understanding Deer Behavior
Deer are primarily active at dawn and dusk, which can align with prime eMTB riding times, especially during warmer months in the Southeast. Known for their swift movements and skittish nature, deer typically respond to bikers by quickly darting away. However, sometimes their reactions are unpredictable: freezing in place or even darting across trails directly in front of riders!
Safety Tips for Mountain Bikers
- Slow Down at Peak Deer Hours: Early morning and late evening rides increase the chance of encountering deer. Reducing speed during these times helps avoid sudden collisions.
- Stay Alert: Always scan the trail ahead, and just off-trail, especially near dense woods or blind corners, where deer are likely to emerge unexpectedly.
- Ride in Groups: Deer are more likely to hear and react safely to a group of riders, reducing the risk of a surprise encounter.
- Use Bells or Audible Warnings: Small trail bells can alert wildlife of your presence without startling them excessively.
- Special Safety During Hunting Season: deer aren’t the only hazards in the woods! Hunting season poses the additional risk of accidental injury to e-mountain bikers riding in the presence of deer. Be sure to follow all local safety rules when sharing the woods with hunters and leave your deer-skin biking jersey at home!
What to Do if You Encounter a Deer
If you come across a deer on the trail:
- Slow down calmly or stop completely.
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
- Enjoy the moment! Give the deer some space and wait patiently; they’ll typically move off the trail shortly.
- Take a picture!
Protecting Wildlife and Trails
E-Mountain biking with deer can be a fun and memorable experience. While I mentioned my almost-collision with one above, I’ve also had an encounter where a young deer cautiously approached me when I stopped on the trail to let it pass. Pretty cool!
Take a moment to enjoy the natural world around you. E-Mountain biking in harmony with wildlife helps preserve the rich biodiversity of the Southeast. Practicing good trail etiquette and wildlife awareness not only enhances your ride but also protects the ecosystems that make our region exceptional.
Have you had an interesting encounter while e-mountain biking with deer? Share your experiences by sending me an email. I love hearing stories from my readers!