Wildlife

White-tailed deer browsing in a farmer’s field make a captivating scene. The image becomes less idyllic, however, when the creatures spring out in front of speeding cars.

Carnage on the roadways is expected when deer are forced out of the mountains by snow, Washington Fish and Wildlife Department officials say. But drivers can take steps to avoid hitting the deer.

“If you see one deer crossing a road, slow down,” said department spokeswoman Madonna Luers. “There’s usually another deer right behind.”

Reduced speeds on icy roads will give drivers the chance to slow down when a deer springs into the headlights.

Skiers heading up to Mount Spokane have been treated to views of fresh roadkill in the morning. Other areas notorious for roadkill include the stretch of Highway 395 between Chewelah and Colville, Highway 20 north of Cusick, Highway 95 in Idaho and virtually any streamside areas.

, DataTimes