Watch Out For Wildlife Week

September 16, 2019

For more information, contact Peter Murphy (peter.w.murphy@odot.state.or.us), 541-388-6224

BEND –  Watch Out!  There’s deer on the road. 

It’s the time of year when motorists share our central Oregon highway system with migrating deer. To raise awareness and encourage vigilance, it’s “Watch Out For Wildlife” week.

Mule deer are moving from the highlands to lower elevations for winter. In many cases, they must cross our regional highways, including U.S. 97 and OR 31.

“We want motorists to know that deer are moving across our region right now, and be on the lookout for them, especially in the early morning and late evening hours,” said ODOT Wildlife Biologist Cidney Bowman.

Many of the deer cross U.S. 97 at a “hot spot” just south of Bend …where we have built two wildlife undercrossings and we’re building another one just north of Gilchrist. Many partners, including ODFW, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Oregon Hunters Association and others, have stepped up to provide about $500,000 to help build it.

To learn more see a video explaining the project at: https://www.facebook.com/OregonDOT/videos/721859454935001/  and be sure to “Watch Out For Wildlife!”

#ODOT#