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The number of deer-vehicle collisions in Minnesota has increased at the same time that totals nationwide have declined, according to claims data from State Farm insurance.

It’s a timely reminder of the risks as autumn deer migration and mating make collisions more likely. November is the month when most of the accidents occur — more than 18 percent of the total nationwide. October is the second most likely month for a deer accident, and December is third.

In Minnesota, the estimated number of deer-vehicle collisions between July 1, 2010, and June 30 went up 4 percent compared with the same period a year earlier. Nationwide, the number declined for the third consecutive year, according to State Farm, the largest auto insurer in Minnesota and nationwide. About one in every five cars insured in Minnesota is insured by State Farm, according to spokeswoman Ann Avery.

Based on claims, State Farm estimates 1.09 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the U.S. — 9 percent less than three years ago and 7 percent fewer than one year ago. The average property damage cost during the final half of 2010 and the first half of 2011 was $3,171, up 2.2 percent from the year before.

For the fifth year in a row, West Virginia topped the list of states where an individual driver is most likely to run in to a deer.

Minnesota moved into eighth place from 10th place the previous year.

Using its claims data in conjunction with state licensed driver counts from the Federal Highway Administration, State Farm calculates the chances of a West Virginia motorist striking a deer over the next 12 months at 1 in 53, an improvement over a year ago when the odds were 1 in 42.Article source: http://feeds.stateline.org/~r/StatelineorgRss-Transportation/~3/InhPIqzGz5w/Minnesota-sees-increase-deer-vehicle-crashes