Keep scanning roadways for deer

Thumbing through Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reports, it’s easy to see that “vehicle vs. deer” accidents are common in our area.

Back when I lived at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, the same situation existed. I had to learn to keep a good eye on the road, scanning each side in an effort to reduce my chances of colliding with a deer. Luckily, I avoided any such accidents, although I once barely missed an elk standing in the middle of the highway after dark just outside Flagstaff.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that deer have been seen less frequently on sides of the roads in the past six to eight weeks. But that is now changing and drivers will need to be on the lookout.

“This year’s crop of fawns have their legs and are ready to travel more widely than when first born,” said Kurt Cunningham, who works in the communication and education division of that agency. “We are going to begin to see does with fawns crossing roads more frequently.”

As Cunningham points out, fawns will be more active and that means more sightings on roads. Statistics of auto accidents with deer always goes up this time of the year.

The motorcyclists that travel roads in northwestern Montana need to take extra caution. Colliding with a deer while on a motorcycle can be fatal.

“In the coming months when driving, keep an eye on the edge habitat between the road and the forest and on the grassy areas along city streets to spot deer with trailing fawns preparing to cross the roadway,” Cunningham advises.

In other words, when you slow down for the deer you’ve sighted, don’t immediately speed up again. Chances are a fawn is following behind.

“You can pretty much bank on the fact that where there is one deer there is another nearby, likely a fawn this time of year,” Cunningham said. “By being aware, drivers can save themselves a lot of damage to their vehicles and heartache.”

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offers the following driving tips:

• Be vigilant in the early morning and evening hours when deer are most active.

• Pay attention to deer crossing signs.

• If you see one deer, look for another, especially a smaller fawn. Deer seldom run alone.

• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, do not swerve.

• If you hit a deer, pull to the shoulder and use a cell phone to call for help, if needed.

Those who do need to call for help can contact the Montana Highway Patrol, county sheriff or city police. If the animal is seriously injured but still alive, report it to a Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden or any other law enforcement officer.

So, please folks, carefully scan the roadway as you make your way to your destination – not just for the deer, but for yourself and your loved ones.

(Brad Fuqua is managing editor of The Western News. He can be reached at bfuqua@thewesternnews.com )