The Utah Public Safety Department wants the public to know that November is the month with the highest number of wild animal-vehicle collisions in Utah. A researcher from Utah State University estimates that 6,000 to 10,000 mule deer are killed on Utah’s roads each year with more then 14,700 collisions causing more than $1500 dollars in damage. One of the best ways to avoid collisions with deer is to understand a few behaviors. Deer travel in groups so if one is crossing, look for companions. Fawn and young deer cross after adult deer. After a lengthy storm watch for deer as they bed down during storms and try to find food after them. Deer are very active at dusk and dawn. Keep eyes moving, scanning ahead and don’t fixate on any one object. Looking ahead and expanding ones focus to the sides of the roads help to catch movement. Heed the wildlife crossing signs as they are usually placed in areas known to be a high volume of wildlife/vehicle collisions.
