CPW urges caution with holiday decorations, wildlife encounters<\/p>\n
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An elk takes its chances while crossing U.S. Highway 550 north of Durango in December 2014. Mule deer enter rut in late fall, and are more active at night. With the end of daylight saving time, more drivers commute at dusk, when deer are active. (Jerry McBride\/Durango Herald file)<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the exterior parts of town, deer and elk are definitely on the move,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are transitioning from their summer range and using their migration corridors to work down to lower elevations in the valleys. If you\u2019re out driving on the highways, you are certainly going to notice a lot more deer and elk on the move.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes are protective of their fawns,\u201d Livingston said. \u201cBut this time of year, it\u2019s the bucks who are all fueled up on testosterone. They\u2019ve got a one-track mind right now, and that\u2019s to mate. They\u2019ll be territorial and more aggressive toward humans and dogs, but they\u2019re also on the move a lot because they are chasing does around looking for a mate.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city\u2019s Facebook post supports that message, saying male deer become less aware as they focus on mating.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe males are also in rut, which makes them stupid,\u201d the Facebook post said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest thing is just giving animals space and being aware that there\u2019s animals on the road,\u201d Livingston said. \u201cRealize that those same deer that you were able to see on your commute home a week ago may be harder to see now.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, not every collision is avoidable,\u201d the release said. \u201cThe risk of serious injury and death in a crash is reduced by half when seat belts are worn.\u201d<\/p>\n
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A mule deer buck with its antlers tangled in a volleyball net in November 2006 in Durango. (Jerry McBride\/Durango Herald file)<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really bad if deer become tethered to an object and they can\u2019t move because it causes them a lot of stress, and it\u2019s difficult for our officers to be able to save and rescue those animals safely,\u201d Livingston said. \u201cIf they\u2019re not tethered to it and they\u2019re running around with stuff stuck in their antlers, it could impede their ability to eat, drink, breathe \u2013 things of that nature.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drivers involved in a wildlife-vehicle collision are urged to report the crash to the Colorado State Patrol by calling *277, the release said.<\/p>\n
sedmondson@durangoherald.com<\/p>\n
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Mule deer enter rut in late fall, and are more active at night. With the end of daylight saving time, more drivers commute at dusk, when deer are active. (Jerry McBride\/Durango Herald)<\/p>\n
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