Beware of Deer Crossing the Road This Fall in Idaho

Idaho is filled with a variety of wildlife. Deer, hawks, owls, squirrels, moose, and many more animals call the Gem State home. It can be both fun and exciting to watch these animals in their natural habitat. For many, they view these animals as food, some view them as pests, and others view them as entertainment. While it can be exciting to see these animals, it can also be scary and unpredictable to have them roam the state, especially when they come into town, near crowded roads, and make their presence felt. Be careful this time of year when it comes to deer and wildlife in Idaho, especially when driving in the country and in the wilderness.

Animals Crossing the Road in Idaho

As fall weather makes itself known in the Magic Valley and across Idaho, animals will begin looking for food, and at times will find themselves in places they aren't as familiar with. They will be making their way closer to towns, busy roads, and seeking to fatten up before winter arrives. This can cause them to make their presence felt, especially for drivers in rural areas and in the wilderness. It is wise to be cautious and on the lookout for these animals, especially in the early morning and in the evenings when they are typically looking for food and water more than other times of the day. Not seeing a deer or a bigger animal ahead of time could have dire consequences for you and your vehicle. 

Hitting Wildlife With Your Car in Idaho

Hitting an animal the size of a deer or bigger is never ideal. My wife recently witnessed this happening on her way to work, as the driver in front of her had a deer jump in front of them, and the vehicle went right into it. She said that had you not known, you would have assumed she was in a head-on collision with another vehicle. Unless you have witnessed or been in a wreck with an animal, you don't realize the damage they can cause and how dangerous it can be to your life. The deer did not survive the collision, but luckily the driver did and had no severe injuries, but was likely sore in the following days. The vehicle was badly damaged. If you find yourself colliding with an animal this fall and are not sure what to do next, you can click this link. 

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Be safe and stay alert as you drive this fall, especially as the mornings are dark and the evenings get dark sooner. Make sure to check your surroundings and not speed, especially in areas where it is likely that a deer or other wildlife could emerge. Animals will be crossing the roads this fall, and hopefully, you won't get up close and personal with them anytime soon.