The mayor of Chiuro, a municipality in Val Fontana, Sondrio province, Italy, Tiziano Maffezzini, has ordered the nighttime closure of certain roads until ⁤October 31st to protect the deer ⁢mating season,‍ known as ⁤the “bramit.” This period is⁣ characterized by the⁣ distinctive vocalizations the deer make during courtship, attracting both nature enthusiasts and curious observers to the area, which sits at 1,800 meters above sea level and has a population of ‍approximately 2,400.

The municipal order,reported by La Stampa and local news sources, prohibits vehicular traffic between the Campello and Camiascio resorts from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. The goal is ⁣to minimize disturbance to the‍ deer during this sensitive reproductive period and to ⁢enhance safety on the roads, as deer are more prone to crossing unexpectedly.

exceptions to⁣ the closure are made ⁢for authorized⁣ vehicles performing work in the Pian dei Cavalli area. The municipality encourages⁣ others to participate in guided tours⁣ organized by local associations, offering a⁤ chance to experience the ⁤deer’s “song of love” in a respectful and undisturbed surroundings.

The official order cites the deer’s sensitivity to human activity during the september-October breeding season and the increased risk of road crossings. It notes that the frequent nighttime traffic of observers significantly disrupts the‍ deer, necessitating the access restriction to promote respect for the species and ‍protect⁣ their reproductive activity.