#Central oregon elk vs deer install
The more than 6 miles of fencing being installed near Gilchrist costs nearly $1 million.Īll the funds to purchase and install the fence was donated by hunting groups, environmental groups, non-profits, foundations and state and federal partners making this a solution to a problem many people agree on. “We’ve seen more accidents from people swerving and hitting a tree or another car.” The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT. Route 97 (Route 97) is the main highway running north-south through central Oregon along the east side of the Cascade Mountains. That’s usually your safer bet than trying to swerve and avoid,” Bowman said. Deer and elk vehicle collisions over time in the 12-mile long Lava Butte Study Area, Deschutes County. It sounds sad, but hit the animal if you need to. There’s nowhere to go on narrow sections of road. If something jumps out on the road in front of you, don’t swerve. If you are driving through an area like this early in the morning or late at night, s low down. Wildlife-vehicle collisions decreased 85% near Lava Butte where similar wildlife fences and under crossings were installed about 10 years ago.ĭeer crossing signs indicate areas where deer cross the road frequently. The combination of fences and under crossings is proven effective. “Ideally, the deer and elk approach the fence and then they’ll go right or left and wander until they hit one of the under crossings and they use those to get under the highway,” Cidney Bowman, Wildlife Passage Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Transportation. I don’t think there’s any chance anything is going to try to jump over it,” said Andrew Richardson with Guerilla Built, the contractor installing the fencing.Īn average of 100 wildlife collisions are reported each year on this stretch of highway, probably half of the actual number of collisions. Antlers begin re-growing soon after they are shed, with. “This is bigger than anything we’ve built before. Oregon’s buck deer shed their antlers from late December through March and bull elk shed them from late February through early April. Six miles of wildlife fencing is being installed along Highway 97 south of La Pine.Īn 8 foot tall wire fence is being installed for three miles along both sides highway 97 just north of Gilchrist.
#Central oregon elk vs deer drivers
It is deer and elk migration season… a time of year when drivers should slow down and expect to encounter wildlife crossing the highways.
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