SALEM — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding drivers that collisions with deer and elk tend to peak in October and November, when the animals are migrating to winter range and, for deer, in their breeding season.

The shorter daylight period and potential for rain or snow means animals are less visible when they cross roads.

Each year, Oregon Department of Transportation crews remove about 6,000 carcasses of deer struck and killed by vehicles on Oregon’s public roadways, and many more die away from roads or on county, city or private roads.

ODFW research tracking mule deer with GPS collars shows that deer follow their migratory routes, no matter how many roads are in the way. They often have no choice but to cross roads to get to food and shelter.

Drivers should follow these tips to avoid collisions with wildlife:

• Watch for animal crossing signs: These signs mark areas with frequent wildlife crossings so stay alert when you see one.

• Be cautious in areas with dense vegetation and curves: Wildlife can be difficult to spot in these areas until they are near the road.

• Expect more animals when you see one: If you spot one animal, more are likely nearby. Focus on where the animal came from (not where it’s going), as others may be following.

• Slow down and stay in your lane: Swerving to avoid animals often leads to more serious crashes. Maintain control of your vehicle.

• Always wear your seat belt: Even minor collisions can cause serious injuries and wearing your seat belt is one of the best ways to stay safe.

Fall is also the season when most road-killed deer and elk are salvaged for meat.

Oregon law allows people who hit a deer or elk, or who see one that is struck, salvage the animal by filling out a free online permit and turning in the animal’s head within five days for testing for chronic wasting disease.

More information about roadkill salvage permits is available at myodfw.com/articles/roadkill-salvage-permits.

Wildlife crossings

Oregon has built several underpasses designed to give wildlife safe places to cross highways.

The state installed both an underpass and fencing along Highway 97 near Sunriver in 2012, and the result was an 86% decline in reported collisions over seven years.

Top priorities for future projects, based on the number of collisions reported, include Interstate 84 near Meacham, which is a major elk travel corridor, Highway 26 near Dayville in Grant County, Highway 20 in Deschutes County, and Highway 140 near Klamath Falls.

Identifying areas with most collisions

The iNaturalist Roadkills of Oregon project — a collaboration between Oregon’s Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo that started this year — lets people send reports and photos of roadkill directly to state biologists. When it’s safe to do so, users can pull over, snap a photo, and upload the pictures along with identifying information of animals they see. That data will be used to map roadkill hotspots, and help the state prioritize where to take action.

To download the free app and find instructions for submitting reports, visit myodfw.com/articles/roadkills-oregon.