Watch out for wildlife
By Terry Murry on Friday, October 18th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MORROW COUNTY – Oregon State Police report a motorist suffered non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday on Highway 730 in Morrow County when his vehicle hit and killed a deer.
That news came shortly before the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a state-wide warning that vehicle collisions with deer and elk tend to peak in October and November. Migration and breeding puts the animals on the move and shorter daylight hours and rainy weather can reduce visibility for motorists.
Crews from the Oregon Department of Transportation remove about 6,000 carcasses struck and killed by vehicles on state roadways. Many more die away from roads or on county, city, and private roads. ODFW research tracking mule deer with GPS collars shows that deer faithfully follow their migratory routes, whether or not roads are in the way.
ODFW urges motorists to use caution in areas with dense vegetation and curves. They should expect more animals when they see one and be on the lookout for animal crossing signs. If a deer or elk crosses, drivers should slow down and stay in their lanes. Swerving to avoid the animals often leads to more serious crashes. Also, motorists should always wear seat belts.
This is also the time of year when most of the road-killed deer and elk are salvaged for meat. Drivers who salvage the animals must fill out an online permit with ODFW and turn the head in within five days so it can be tested for chronic wasting disease. While it has not been detected in Oregon, it was recently found in Washington, Idaho, and California. More information about roadkill salvage permits is on the ODFW website.
