Vehicle collisions with deer and elk tend to peak in October and November, when migration and breeding (the “rut”) puts them on the move, making them more likely to cross roads. Fewer daylight hours and rainy weather also reduce drivers’ visibility.
On average, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) documents more than 6,000 vehicle collisions with deer and elk each year. The actual number of collisions is likely higher, as many are not reported if there is minimal damage or no human injuries.
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and ODOT are asking Oregonians to Watch out for Wildlife this time of year and follow these tips:
- Be careful when driving in areas that have special signs indicating the possible presence of wildlife. These signs are posted for a reason.
- Be alert in areas with dense vegetation along the road or while going around curves. Wildlife near the road may not be visible.
- If you see one animal, stay alert. There may be others nearby.
- If you see wildlife on or near the road, slow down and stay in your lane. Many serious crashes are the result of drivers losing control as they swerve to avoid wildlife.
- The same advice applies for smaller wildlife like raccoons; try to stay in your lane and do not swerve for these animals. They are less dangerous to vehicles than big game animals and maintaining control of your vehicle is most important.
- Always wear your seat belt. Even a minor collision could result in serious injuries.
ODFW, ODOT and partner organizations are working to reduce the risk of vehicle-wildlife collisions by building wildlife crossings. The crossings allow wildlife to safely follow their migration patterns over or under a road. Data shows wildlife crossings on Highway 97 near Sunriver have reduced vehicle-wildlife collisions by nearly 90 percent.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 is providing $350 million in competitive grants to the states for wildlife crossings and other mitigation. ODFW, ODOT and other partners will be working to secure grants for projects.
Oregon drivers can also show their support by purchasing a Watch for Wildlife license plate. The revenue generated from license plate sales will benefit projects that help wildlife move within their range and between habitat patches. Originally developed by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, the license plate is now available at the DMV.
Roadkill salvagers: CWD testing is mandatory
As wildlife-vehicle collisions peak, so does participation in ODFW’s roadkill salvage program. Since 2019, salvaging deer or elk struck by a vehicle has been legal in Oregon. Salvagers are required to fill out a free online permit available on the ODFW website.
Since the program kicked off in January 2019, 5,027 permits have been issued, with most for black-tailed deer in Western Oregon, where there are more drivers.
Salvagers are also required to bring the head and antlers of all salvaged deer and elk to an ODFW office for testing within five days. This is so ODFW can test the animal for Chronic Wasting Disease, a fatal neurological disease that ODFW has been on the lookout for since it first appeared in the late 1960s in Colorado.
