This week is also “Watch Out For Wildlife Week”. While motorists should always be alert, especially while driving through rural areas, Dana Michaels, with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, says during the fall months deer and other wildlife, including bears, are highly susceptible to vehicle collisions. She says deers start their annual migrations to winter range, and bucks are preoccupied competing for mates…

click to listen to Dana Michaels

Meanwhile, bears who hibernate are searching for ways to bulk up. Michaels says littering, while always discouraged, should especially not include food…

click to listen to Dana Michaels

Michaels says drivers should reduce speed, especialy during sunrise and sunset, in areas known to be frequented by wildlife, especially where crossing signs are posted. And if you see an animal cross the road, know that another may be following. Also, scientists estimate a deer’s eyesight is only around 20/100. In California, between 8 and 10 motorists, as as many as 20,000 deer, die in collisions each year.