REXBURG — Despite the warming weather, deer and moose are still spending time in the valley, as was evident by three car-versus-wildlife incidents over the weekend.
Fish and Game spokesman Greg Losinski says that wildlife are still roaming city streets, looking for greenery to eat.
“A lot of people think winter is over and that the interactions between humans and members of the deer family are over. It's a year-round thing,” he said.
That was obvious, as on Saturday police responded to a car crash involving a deer on Highway 20 near mile marker 334. The car's two occupants escaped injury, but the crash killed the deer. The car sustained serious damage.
The following day, a vehicle hit a moose at University Boulevard and Fifth West. While the car suffered damage, its occupants were spared injury. The crash broke the moose's legs, making it unable to walk. Police put the moose down at the scene.
Also on Sunday, police responded to an injured deer in a ditch on North Second and East. It wasn't clear what had hit the deer, but its injuries were enough for the police to shoot the deer.
Losinksi noted that the high country hasn't opened up yet, causing wildlife to remain in the lower part of the valley.
“People need to be careful. If you live in this part of the world, you may encounter deer, elk and moose on the roadways and in town,” he said. “Moose come into town throughout the year — deer and elk not as often — but anything is possible where we live,” he said.
Losinski said he hadn't heard about the Rexburg incidents but said he wasn't shocked by it.
“Nothing surprises me as far as animals in town,” he said.
Losinski said that drivers stand to have a run in with deer or moose with their cars this time of year. He warned travelers to be careful.
“We do have numerous accidents that have resulted not just in injuries but in fatalities for humans. It's important to be aware and especially now before the high areas open up. There are still plenty of members of the deer family down low,” he said.
For more information on wildlife in the region visit idfg.idaho.gov/region/upper-snake.
