ODOT warns drivers: Watch for migrating deer

With spring at hand, the Oregon Department of Transportation advised motorists Thursday to be on the lookout for migrating mule deer on U.S. Highway 97 and other Central Oregon highways

“Deer migration is beginning in early April this year,” said Cidney Bowman, wildlife biologist for ODOT, “So motorists need to be on the alert for deer on the highways.”

The bulk of the deer migration starts in early April and extends until mid-May this season in Central Oregon.

ODOT expects the deer to be moving in large numbers through the hotspot corridors along U.S. highways 97 and 20 and state Highway 31.

Most of the animals will be traveling during the dawn and dusk hours, but motorists can expect to see them at any time.

“Motorists need to know that if they see one deer, there probably are more nearby”, said Bowman. “Dawn and dusk are especially critical times for motorists to be on the lookout.”

For more on deer migration and the impact on Central Oregon Highways visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION4/Pages/WildlifeCrossings.aspx