A few weeks back, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued a warning to local residents: keep an eye out for deer during this time of year. 

During the “rut,” which runs from mid-October through December, deer are more active, increasing the chances of deer-vehicle collisions. “So slow down, stay alert, and keep your eyes peeled for some four-legged lovebirds on the road,” stated a press release from DEM.

Last week, Barrington Police responded to multiple accidents involving motor vehicles and deer. 

On Monday, Oct. 26, a motorist called police at about 7 p.m. to report that their vehicle had struck a deer near the intersection of Nayatt Road and Rumstick Road. The motorist said the deer ran off.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, a vehicle struck a deer on County Road at about 11:50 p.m. Again, the motorist told police the deer ran off. 

And on Friday, Oct. 30, police received a report of a vehicle striking a deer near the intersection of Old River Road and the Wampanoag Trail. Once more, the motorist said the deer ran off.

There was even a report of a deer striking a parked vehicle. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, a Wallis Avenue resident told police that he found a dent on the side of his vehicle — he said a deer ran into the side of the vehicle, causing the damage. 

DEM officials are asking residents to report all deer collisions to DEM's 24-hour dispatch at 401-222-3070, local police, and your insurance company.

Dead cats

Barrington Police received two separate reports of residents who found dead cats in their yards last week. 

On Thursday, Oct. 29, a Maple Avenue resident called police after finding a dead cat in her back yard. And on Saturday, Oct. 31, a New Meadow Road resident called police to report she had found a dead cat in her yard. Police said the cause of death for either animal was unknown.