Police in France are warning drivers to be careful on rural roads because of deer that have become intoxicated. In the Saône-et-Loire region, deer have been seen stumbling and acting strangely. This happens when they eat fermented fruits and plants that have fallen on the ground. As these plants decay, they produce ethanol, the same alcohol found in drinks like beer and wine. When the deer eat them, they become drunk.
The Gendarmerie, a branch of the French police, shared a video of a stumbling deer on Facebook, which became very popular. They used the video to remind drivers to be extra cautious. They explained that intoxicated animals can be unpredictable. They might freeze in the road or suddenly run into traffic, which can cause serious accidents, especially at night or on quiet roads.
To stay safe, drivers are advised to slow down, watch out for sudden animal movements, and avoid sharp turns. They should be very careful when driving through areas with woods. This problem is not unique to this region; people have shared similar stories from other parts of France. Biologists have studied how animals consume natural alcohol, finding that it is common in fruits and plants. Many animals, like elephants and primates, can become intoxicated from fermented foods because their bodies process alcohol similarly to humans, or in some cases, cannot break it down quickly enough.