By Ron Brown
 
November 23, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - This is the time of year when deer and elk are on the move, it's also the time when a lot of them are killed along Oregon highways and byways.
 
That's where the Oregon Department of Transportation Roadkill Patrol Crew comes in. They pick up dead deer, elk, bears and other animals that show up along highways in Jackson and Josephine county.
 
"They don't read signs, so drivers need to be aware that animals can cross the road anywhere. Especially this time of year, during the fall and winter. They're seeking their winter feeding grounds. Obviously there's some pressure on them so they are on the move," said Gary Leaming with ODOT.
 
If the deer is only recently killed and not badly mutilated, it is sometimes taken to Wildlife Images in Merlin where it is used to feed some of the wild animals. Otherwise, the carcasses are usually dumped in a pit out in the woods where scavenging wildlife feed on them. Bears are taken to ODFW for examination and study.