As deer, elk, and other wildlife begin their fall migration, the Oregon Wildlife Foundation reminds drivers to stay alert, helping prevent collisions.
Czech the World - stock.adobe.comPORTLAND — As deer, elk, and other wildlife begin their fall migration, the Oregon Wildlife Foundation reminds drivers to stay alert, helping prevent collisions.
Each year, an estimated 5,000 large animals are struck and killed on Oregon roads, with accidents peaking in October and November as deer and elk migrate to their lower elevation habitat. Collisions not only threaten wildlife but also endanger the safety of motorists.
“Fall is a wonderful time of year in Oregon and a great excuse to slow down, take in the scenery, and look around for wildlife”, said Tim Greseth, Executive Director of Oregon Wildlife Foundation.
Drivers can reduce the risk of a collision by slowing down at dawn and dusk, particularly in areas with wildlife crossing signs, and by avoiding sudden swerves. When an animal is seen trying to cross a road, chances are high that others will follow.
Proceeds from the sale and renewal of the Watch for Wildlife specialty license plate support projects that help animals move between habitat patches, including across Oregon’s highways and roads. Wildlife passage projects have included dedicated undercrossings and overcrossings, as well as modifications to existing bridges and culverts.
“There are almost 80,000 miles of public roads and highways in Oregon. That, coupled with the basic needs all animals have, puts them and us in harm’s way. That’s doubly true during migration season as deer, elk, and other species are moving in greater numbers from their higher elevation summer habitat to lower elevations where they’ll spend the winter,” said Greseth.
Oregonians can order the Watch for Wildlife plate through the DMV or visit myowf.org/watchforwildlife to learn more about how plate sales fund habitat connectivity projects, including wildlife passage efforts across Oregon.
Happy with your current plate but still want to support habitat connectivity and wildlife passage projects? Consider a donation to Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Migration and Movement Fund (formerly known as the Watch for Wildlife Fund) via Donate Now | Oregon Wildlife Foundation.
For more information on wildlife movement in Oregon, visit myowf.org/wildlifemoves.
Oregon Wildlife Foundation
Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, the Foundation has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit www.myowf.org.
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