DWR reminding drivers to watch for wildlife
Oct 23, 2023, 3:04 PM | Updated: 3:08 pm
Deer forage near the Wakara Way in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 24, 2021. As temperatures cool and days get shorter, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources says to be on the lookout for animals on the roads. (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — As the temperature gets cooler and the days get shorter, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is reminding drivers to be on the lookout for animals on the roads.
Deer and other wildlife migrate in October and November looking for food and potential mates. They are more active in the early mornings and evenings, the same time many Utahns make their commutes to and from work. And, with daylight savings, it gets dark much earlier.
If you do see a deer or small animal on the road, the DWR says not to swerve. Just stay in your lane and slow down.
However, if you do hit an animal, pull off the side of the road and call 911 if it is still in the road and could cause another accident.
The DWR also encourages drivers to submit a report on the Utah Roadkill Reporter app.
To avoid these accidents, the DWR says to watch for wildlife crossing signs, scan both sides of the road as you drive and look for an animal’s shiny eyes in the dark.
Devin Oldroyd contributed to this story.
