FRESNO (KMJ) – Caltrans says this time of year, the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions typically peaks, as animals start migrating to winter habitat.
Mating season begins for deer and elk.
And bears spend more time foraging before hibernation.
“Be alert when driving through areas where wildlife frequent,” Alisa Becerra said.
Spokeswoman Alisa Becerra says to help reduce collisions Caltrans and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are reminding drivers to be on the lookout during Watch Out for Wildlife Week, which runs through the 21st.
Many of California’s roadways cut through the animals’ routes.
“And if you see an animal near the road, don’t think that’s it,” Becerra said. “There may be others. If you see a bear, there may be cubs, or other deer, that kind of thing, so you really want to watch out for others,” Becerra said.
According to the California Highway Patrol, 15 people died, and 810 people were injured in more than 4,000 and collisions with animals on state, county and local roadways throughout California between 2017 and 2018.
Click below to listen to the report by Clint Olivier:
