MIDDLEBORO — A deer strike resulted in a serious car fire on Route 495 overnight Friday, prompting a warning from the Middleboro Fire Department about increased animal activity this time of year.

“This is a very active time for wildlife as they prepare for winter,’’ the department reminded motorists. “Please use extra caution on the roads.’’

The period from mid-October until early December tends to see large numbers of deer on the move. This is the rutting, or breeding, season, when males pursue females. Bucks chase the does, which in turn run from them, leading to an active, mobile population, wildlife officials have explained.

This time also coincides with less daylight, as nightfall sets in earlier when the winter solstice, Dec. 21, nears.

Deer can be harder to see in darkened skies.