Wildlife crashes on the rise amid eclipse crowds

Travelers can expect to see more wildlife and pedestrians along state highways due to thousands of visitors spread around rural Oregon.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of vehicle vs. animal strikes over the last few days,” said ODOT District 14 Manager Paul Woodworth. “Our John Day staff notes that with visitors encroaching on farmers’ fields and camping areas, deer and other wildlife are being pushed into traffic at higher rates.”

Over the past few days, there have been 21 animal strikes along eastern Oregon state routes, with five strikes on Thursday, five on Friday, and 11 strikes on Saturday.

The various eclipse events around the state are also resulting in increased pedestrian traffic along the highway shoulders as they move between campsites, local communities and event activities.

Motorists are advised to be extra cautious and keep an eye out for two and four legged local residents and visitors along roadways.