Wild animals sign: what it means
The wild animals sign, with a leaping deer, warns that wild animals are likely to be on or crossing the road ahead.
What does the wild animals sign mean?
Know your traffic signs lists it as “wild animals”; there are separate signs for small wild animals, wild fowl and toads.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Wild animals, such as deer, may be on the road.
- Wild horses or ponies may be on the road.
- Horse riders may be on or crossing the road.
Show answer
A. Wild animals, such as deer, may be on the road. Wild animals are likely to be in the road ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 214, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On roads through forests, parks and open country, often over a distance shown on a plate.
What should you do?
Slow down, especially at dusk and at night, and watch the verges. If you see one deer, expect more. Rule 214 says to drive slowly past animals, give them plenty of room and be ready to stop.
What do people get wrong?
Swerving hard to miss an animal into oncoming traffic or a tree. Slow down early so you can brake in a straight line.
Common questions
Are there other animal warning signs?
Yes. Know your traffic signs has separate warnings for small wild animals, wild fowl, toads, sheep, cattle and horses.
What should I do if animals block the road?
Stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road (The Highway Code, rule 214).
Compare with
Wild horses or ponies signWild horses or ponies may be on the road.
Accompanied horses signHorse riders may be on or crossing the road.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (warning signs) and The Highway Code rule 214.
- Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 214, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.