LAKE COUNTY – Over the last month the sight of deer alongside roadways during the night hours has increased, and it's become a deadly situation for the animals.

The California Highway Patrol incident logs has reported numerous incidents of deer being hit by cars and killed as they cross roads at night.

Department of Fish and Game Warden Loren Freeman said the deer are migrating right now, looking for sources of water.

By the beginning of fall, said Freeman, a lot of the local creeks and other water sources used by deer had dried up.

Even with the recent rains, the US Geological Survey shows creeks are at extremely low levels.

With few options, the deer are drawn to the county's largest water source, Clear Lake, said Freeman.

“They do have to go once a day in order to get water,” he explained.

That means they must cross busy roads and highways.

Deer usually move at dusk or dawn, preferring to move under concealment of darkness and before bedding down. “That's the most volatile time,” said Freeman.

Freeman urged people to be more cautious when driving, especially at night, in order to avoid hitting the animals.

Another reason it's important to keep an eye out: the Department of Fish and Game says it's deer mating season, which can cause the deer to move more than usual, and be uncommonly aggressive.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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