North Dakota wildlife officials urge caution to avoid animal collisions

FARGO — The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is urging drivers to use caution when traveling on roads near wildlife, especially in rural areas.

Deer and bears are commonly involved in vehicle crashes, with accidents most likely to occur between 5-7 a.m. and 7-11 p.m.

If a driver is close to hitting an animal, officials say it’s safer not to swerve. Swerving increases the risk of a more serious crash, such as a head-on collision or rolling into a ditch.

If a collision results in the animal’s death, drivers are only required to call 911 if someone is injured or if the animal creates a dangerous obstruction on the road.

“Just because one deer moves away from the road or one deer moves across the road doesn’t mean there aren’t more deer around there,” said Doug Leier, biologist with the Game and Fish Department. “Be very, very vigilant. Be watching. Just because you see one critter and it crosses or gets out of the way doesn’t mean that you’re necessarily safe.”

Leier recommends drivers stay alert and reduce speed in areas known for wildlife crossings.

Drew Berg started at The Forum as a Sports Reporting Intern in August 2024. He is currently a Broadcast Journalism and Multimedia Journalism student at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He also has experience in broadcast news working for MSUM’s Campus News program.