Caltrans and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are encouraging people to pay closer attention for wildlife on roadways.

Watch Out for Wildlife Week is Sept. 18-24.

The state is using signage, fencing, and undercrossings to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions along roadways, especially in wildlife corridors.

Between now and December, deer and other wildlife are more susceptible than usual to vehicle collisions.

Wildlife experts offer the following tips for motorists:

• Be especially alert when driving in wildlife areas, and reduce speed to react safely.
• Pay particular attention when driving during the morning and evening, as wildlife are most active during these times.
• If you see an animal cross the road, know that others may be following.
• Don’t litter. The odors may entice animals to venture near roadways.

On a stretch of Highway 89 between Truckee and Sierraville, a recently-completed $2.08 million project consists of two new 12-foot by 10-foot wildlife undercrossings, providing a safe path for animals to cross under the roadway. The project also includes four escape ramps and more than 14,000 linear feet of deer fencing on both sides of the highway to help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions.