Warning sign
Wild animals sign
What does the Wild animals sign mean?
Warns that wild animals such as deer may run into the road ahead. Slow down and watch the verges.
Also known as: Deer sign, Leaping deer sign
What it means
Wild animals, often deer, may be in or crossing the road ahead.
The leaping deer stands for wild animals that may cross the road without warning.
Slow down and scan the verges. Animals do not behave predictably, and where there is one there may be more following.
Where you'll see it
On roads through woodland, parkland and open country where deer and other wild animals live.
Rules to know
The sign warns of wild animals.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 14
When passing animals, drive slowly, give them plenty of room and be ready to stop. Do not scare them by sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly.
The Highway Code, Rule 214
Watch out for animals on unfenced roads.
The Highway Code, Rule 214
Common mistakes
Mistake: Speeding up once the first animal has crossed.
Instead: Others may follow. Keep your speed down until you are clear of the area.
Test yourself
Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.
Question 1 of 1
What does this sign mean?
Ready for more? Take the Warning Signs Quiz
Download this sign
© Crown copyright. Free to reuse under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as long as the sign is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context.
Related signs
Similar
Cattle
Warning sign
Farm animals that may be on the road.
More warning signs
All warning signs
Sources
- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Warning signs, p. 14
- The Highway Code, Rule 214
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 551). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026. This page explains the sign in our own words; for the full rules, see The Highway Code. How we source and check content