UNITED STATES — A groundbreaking new study has confirmed what drivers have long suspected: when it comes to crossing roads, 100% of deer really could give a crap less.
Researchers at Oregon State University spent six months observing deer behavior on highways, backroads, and suburban streets across the country. Their conclusion: deer crossing roads have fully checked out.
“At first we thought it was confusion or survival instinct misfiring,” said lead researcher Dr. Becky Thompson. “But after months of footage, it’s clear — they genuinely couldn’t give a crap less. They stroll into traffic, stop in the middle of the road, and just vibe with whatever happens next.”
Footage from the study shows deer casually wandering into busy lanes, pausing to stare blankly at oncoming vehicles, and in some cases, lying down directly on the centerline as if embracing whatever comes their way. One especially committed buck was seen slowly lowering himself onto the asphalt like he was settling in for a long nap.
Transportation departments are already responding to the findings, with new signs under consideration that will warn drivers: "Deer Crossing: Might Move. Probably Won’t."
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Locals seem unsurprised.
"I had a deer make eye contact with me and then shrug yesterday," said driver Kyle Mendez, still annoyed after sitting in traffic for nearly half an hour. "Honestly, I respect it."
Wildlife activists have proposed stress-relief zones and deer counseling services, but most experts agree it’s too little, too late.
“They’ve seen what’s going on,” Thompson added. “They know the score. They’ve checked out.”
