ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reminding motorists and motorcyclists to be especially cautious of deer in coming months, as they are breeding and more active this time of year.

DPS said seven people have been killed in deer-motorcycle accidents so far in 2013. That matches the record number of fatal deer-motorcycle accidents in 2008.

And the most dangerous months are coming up.

Over the last three years, more than one-third of all deer-vehicle crashes took place in October and November. There were 16 fatalities over the last three years and all but one were motorcyclists.

DPS is reminding all riders and motorists to stay focused on the road — especially at dusk, dawn and at night when deer are more active.