Home / Environment / Drunk Deer: France Warns of Fermented Fruit Dangers
Drunk Deer: France Warns of Fermented Fruit Dangers
14 May
Summary
- Wild animals, especially deer, are acting erratically.
- Fermented vegetation causes animal intoxication and unpredictable behavior.
- Drivers in rural France urged to slow down due to wildlife risks.
Authorities in France are issuing warnings to drivers regarding unusual animal behavior linked to fermented vegetation, which has created road safety concerns in rural areas. The Gendarmerie de Saône-et-Loire has advised that wild animals, notably deer, appear intoxicated after consuming naturally fermented fruits, buds, and decaying plant matter prevalent during the spring season.
This alert gained attention after law enforcement shared videos of a deer exhibiting spinning, falling, and unsteady movements, attributed to consuming ethanol-producing fermented flora. The police are urging motorists to reduce speed in rural zones, particularly near forests and farms, and to refrain from sudden swerving when animals appear.
Commentators note that such incidents are not uncommon in spring as animals feed on new growth. Concerns have also been raised about potential environmental factors like pesticides influencing animal behavior. Thousands of road accidents annually in Europe involve collisions with wildlife, especially deer and wild boars, highlighting the ongoing challenge of wildlife road safety in rural Europe.
