LOGAN – The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wants to warn drivers the long dark nights of November are when deer are starting to migrate and are often on the roads and highways of the Beehive State.

When Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 3, more people will have evening commutes during lower-visibility hours in the months ahead, which can increase vehicle/wildlife collisions.

In Cache and surrounding counites near mountains, the fall months bring an increase in the number of wildlife along the roadways due to the migration of big game animals to lower elevations in search of feed.

“The peak time to hit deer in Utah is during November,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator Blair Stringham said. “It coincides with mating season and the annual migration of deer. Animals are crossing more roads during the migration, and male deer move around a lot more to find mates. It also doesn’t help that the daylight hours are shorter during this time of year, creating lower visibility for drivers.”

DWR estimates up to 10,000 deer/vehicle collisions occur every year. DWR has tried to reduce that number by installing fences and wildlife bridges along migration routes across Utah highways in recent years.

DWR biologists help track and study the migration patterns of different wildlife and fish species in the state. A large part of the data comes from animals wearing GPS tracking devices even Utah’s fish are tagged with implanted transmitters. Utah is currently the only state that includes fish tracking in its migration initiative.

By using the tracking data biologists can identify where the animals spend large portions of time feeding and then make habitat improvements in those areas. The data is also used to identify migration routes and ensure wildlife crossings are constructed strategically to help big game can cross highways or rivers safely.

Deer are more active early in the morning and in the evenings, which coincides with busy commuting hours. This is also when low-light conditions make it difficult for drivers to see.

To avoid wildlife collisions, DWR recommendations

As Daylight Saving Time ends, here are some tips from Wild Aware Utah to help you avoid wildlife collisions:

  • Be especially alert at dawn and dusk.
  • Heed wildlife crossing signs. These signs are usually placed in areas known to have a high volume of wildlife/vehicle collisions.
  • Be alert on roadways near wooded, agricultural and wetland areas and also near lakes and streams.
  • Scan both sides of the road as you drive. Invite passengers to help watch for wildlife.
  • Do not drive distracted. Put away food, phones and other distractions.
  • When possible, use high-beam headlights to better illuminate the road.
  • Look for an animal’s eyeshine, which can be seen from a distance. Slow down once you have spotted an animal near the roadside.
  • Some animals travel in groups, so be sure to watch for additional animals if you see one.
  • Do not throw trash out of your vehicle. Not only are there penalties for littering on a highway, but trash and food scraps can also draw animals to roadways.

What to do if you see an animal on or near the road

If you see an animal on or near the road, here are some additional suggestions:

  • Do not swerve for a deer or small animals. Stay in your lane and slow down.
  • If several animals are standing in the road, do not try to drive through them or get out of the vehicle to chase or herd them. Honk your horn and flash your lights to encourage them to move on.
  • If an animal has crossed the road, continue to drive slowly and be cautious because it may try to cross again.

What to do if you hit an animal

  • Pull off the road and use your hazard lights if your car is undriveable.
  • Do not try to approach an injured animal.
  • Call 911 or contact your local police department if you were injured or if the animal is in the roadway and could pose a threat to public safety.
  • Submit a report of the collision through the Utah Roadkill Reporter app. Include the species of animal that was hit, a GPS location and a photo of the animal. Never use the app while driving, and it’s recommended to not get out of your vehicle when submitting a report, due to safety concerns along busy roads.

“When you submit a report of hitting an animal through the Utah Roadkill Reporter app, it helps provide information about potential areas for wildlife crossings,” Stringham said. “The data collected through the app will also benefit the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative and its efforts to learn more about the annual migration patterns of different animal species in Utah.”



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