The number of collisions involving cars and certain members of the animal kingdom is rising, and AA Car Insurance is warning drivers to take care on the roads.

According to new research, Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is a particularly bad spot for collisions with deer. In October, 31 deer were found dead in the forest, with more than 200 killed since the beginning of the year. It is thought many more are injured every day.

According to AA Car Insurance, the average claim payout for a deer strike is £1,403. Last year at least 42,500 such collisions were reported across the UK, setting car insurance providers back more than £59 million.

AA Insurance director, Simon Douglas, said: “Deer are an often unseen hazard until it’s too late. As darkness falls collisions happen with little or no warning as the animals may literally leap out of woodland into the road. But places where deer are most likely to be seen are indicated by triangular hazard warning signs showing an image of a deer.”