Local News

Vehicle collisions with deer and elk tend to peak in the fall months of October and November.

This is when migration and breeding puts them on the move, making them more likely to cross roads. Fewer daylight hours and rainy weather also reduce drivers' visibility.

Each year, Oregon Department of Transportation crews remove about 6,000 carcasses of deer struck and killed by vehicles near Oregon's public roadways. Many more die away from highways or on county, city and private roads.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife research with GPS collars shows mule deer faithfully follow their migratory route, no matter how many roads or other obstacles get put in the way. They often have no choice but to cross roads to get to food and shelter.

This is also the time of year when the most road-killed deer and elk are salvaged for meat. If you hit a deer or elk or see one that is struck, don't forget that you must fill out a free permit and turn the head in within five days so ODFW can test for Chronic Wasting Disease.

There are several areas in Oregon where you may see fewer animals crossing the highway, thanks to wildlife undercrossings. One is currently planned to cross under Interstate 5 between Ashland and the Siskiyou Summit. Keeping animals off highways creates safer environments for animals and safer roads for travelers.