Deer slaughter continues on highways

Last year, in the Sisters area alone, drivers killed 77 deer on local stretches of highway.

Already this year through May, automobiles have killed 49 more. And Sisters is now approaching the migration season when deer on roadways become more numerous.

Shortened daylight hours mean we drive more at dusk and dawn -- the very time deer are likely to be moving -- and the approaching Labor Day holiday means heavy traffic.

Collisions are a costly proposition, not to mention devastating for the deer.

Insurance experts estimate that hitting a deer can cause an average of $2,000 in automobile damage. That is just the physical cost; many drivers suffer lasting distress from an incident.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reported that in Central Oregon alone in 2001 there were 174 crashes involving deer or elk and over the past five years the number is 742.

During one 30-day period, the ODOT Sisters maintenance crew picked up 45 dead deer from areas along Highways 20, 126 and 242 (McKenzie Highway).

Deer are treated as friendly neighbors in our backyards and woodlands, but as enemies on the highways.

ODOT information suggests that if a driver hits a deer, "don't try to move it if it is still alive. Many people are injured each year trying to help a hurt animal. Only if it is dead, move it to the side of the road and only when it is safe to do so."

If the animal is still alive, or if it needs to be removed, immediately call the Oregon State Police (their local phone number is at the end of this article) who will put the animal out of its misery or move it from further harm.

In an unpopulated area, in most cases, the dead animal will be taken farther back into the forest for nature to take its course.

According to Dan Knoll, public information officer for ODOT Region 4, "When ODOT or the State Troopers are called to dispose of an animal in a populated area, they simply will take it to a construction area or an unpopulated site, for proper disposition. We do not bury the dead animal. Nor, in this state, are they used for human food."

This year, particularly along Highways 20, 126 and 242, the Forest Service, state inmate work crews and ODOT created "clear zones where brush, trees and rocks have been removed to help drivers better see deer, elk and other wildlife attempting to cross the road," an ODOT report states.

"Don't rely entirely on deer crossing signs. Deer and elk can't read, and many choose another place to cross the road. Expect the unexpected. Wildlife crossings change seasonally, depending where animals may find food and water," the report continues.

"Be extra careful driving in the early morning or at dusk. These are the times that wildlife is most active and will most likely try to cross highways."

Dave Neys, transportation maintenance manager for ODOT in Bend, suggests that "motorists should avoid swerving severely to miss a deer or other animal.

"Many times," he said, "it is better to stay in your lane and try to stop, or even to hit the animal, rather that take the chance of swerving into oncoming traffic or running off the road and striking a tree or other object."

Knoll suggested that one solution to the slaughter and driving hazard is to drive at the speed limit and always scan the sides of the roadway for deer and elk.

To reach an Oregon State Police trooper, call 617-0617.

Deer travel facts

Here are some deer-related facts to keep in mind while driving in Central Oregon, courtesy of the ODOT Region 4 office:

• Deer and other animals are blinded by headlights and can easily become confused.

• If you see an animal near the roadway, assume it will run in front of your car.
• Deer tend to travel in groups.

  If you see one, chances are there are others.

• Deer are most active just before sunrise and after sunset, the same time many of us drive to and from work.

• Deer tend to travel on ridge tops and through draws.

  Be aware when the road you are traveling crosses these kinds of geographic features.

• Many of Oregon's roads run alongside meadows and waterways -- the same places deer go for food and water.

For more ODOT information, go to: www.odot. state.or.us. Click on Region 4 (Central Oregon), or call 388-6224.