Slow down and stay alert as temperatures drop and days get shorter to avoid wildlife collisions. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, more vehicles will be on the road at times when wildlife are most active: dusk and dawn. Even smaller animals, such as cottontails and jackrabbits, can prove to be hazardous as motorists brake or swerve to avoid a collision.

Follow these simple tips to help reduce the chances of a dangerous collision:

• Slow down and look for movement. Slowing down doesn’t just help avoid a collision; it can reduce the impact if a large animal is hit.
• Avoid other distractions within the car, such as texting. Distractions increase the risk of a collision with unexpected wildlife in the roadway.
• Watch for herd animals. Drivers should note that when there is one herd animal, there may be more in the area.
• Expect the unexpected. Deer and elk behavior can be unpredictable. They may dart straight out into the road.

Remember, the easy path is the plowed one. Some of the best forage can be found alongside roadways, making it particularly attractive to many animals. Once winter weather sets in, elk are often on roads because it is easier to travel and burns less energy than walking through snow. Elk are more likely to move to areas where snow is plowed.