The city of Durango and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are warning drivers that mule deer are more active during morning and evening commutes this time of year.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman John Livingston said the end of daylight saving time puts more drivers on the road at dusk, when mule deer are most active.
“On the exterior parts of town, deer and elk are definitely on the move,” he said. “They are transitioning from their summer range and using their migration corridors to work down to lower elevations in the valleys. If you’re out driving on the highways, you are certainly going to notice a lot more deer and elk on the move.”
Deer that live in Durango year-round may not be migrating, but they are more active, in part because of the rutting season, he said.
“Does are protective of their fawns,” Livingston said. “But this time of year, it’s the bucks who are all fueled up on testosterone. They’ve got a one-track mind right now, and that’s to mate. They’ll be territorial and more aggressive toward humans and dogs, but they’re also on the move a lot because they are chasing does around looking for a mate.”
The city’s Facebook post supports that message, saying male deer become less aware as they focus on mating.
“The males are also in rut, which makes them stupid,” the Facebook post said.
Slowing down and being more alert at night can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions as animals like deer and elk move to wintering grounds, Livingston said. That includes removing distractions like phones and car accessories, he said.
When walking, keeping dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet and giving deer a wide berth helps reduce conflicts, he said, as both does and bucks are more territorial this time of year.
“The biggest thing is just giving animals space and being aware that there’s animals on the road,” Livingston said. “Realize that those same deer that you were able to see on your commute home a week ago may be harder to see now.”
The release advised drivers to slow down, obey traffic signs, pay close attention to the road between dusk and dawn, and watch for movement or shining eyes along roadsides. Honking the car horn and flashing headlights can warn animals to avoid the road and alert other drivers of the potential hazard. Drivers should avoid swerving or jerking the steering wheel to evade a deer.
“Unfortunately, not every collision is avoidable,” the release said. “The risk of serious injury and death in a crash is reduced by half when seat belts are worn.”
Male deer can get their antlers tangled in common yard items and holiday decorations, Livingston said. He advised cleaning up summer items from yards, like volleyball nets, hammocks and gardening supplies. Additionally, residents should ensure holiday decorations do not dangle and are securely attached.
“It’s really bad if deer become tethered to an object and they can’t move because it causes them a lot of stress, and it’s difficult for our officers to be able to save and rescue those animals safely,” Livingston said. “If they’re not tethered to it and they’re running around with stuff stuck in their antlers, it could impede their ability to eat, drink, breathe – things of that nature.”
Drivers involved in a wildlife-vehicle collision are urged to report the crash to the Colorado State Patrol by calling *277, the release said.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
