Wildlife On The Move: Oregon Drivers Urged To “Watch For Wildlife” This Fall (Photo) - 09/03/26

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Mo Montgomery

OWF External Communications Manager

mo@myOWF.org

(559) 313-9442

September 3, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wildlife on the Move: Oregon Drivers Urged to “Watch for Wildlife” This Fall

PORTLAND, Ore. — As deer, elk, and other wildlife begin their fall migration, the Oregon Wildlife Foundation reminds drivers to stay alert, helping prevent collisions.

Each year, an estimated 5,000 large animals are struck and killed on Oregon roads, with accidents peaking in October and November as deer and elk migrate to their lower elevation habitat. Collisions not only threaten wildlife but also endanger the safety of motorists.

“Fall is a wonderful time of year in Oregon and a great excuse to slow down, take in the scenery, and look around for wildlife”, said Tim Greseth, Executive Director of Oregon Wildlife Foundation.

Drivers can reduce the risk of a collision by slowing down at dawn and dusk, particularly in areas with wildlife crossing signs, and by avoiding sudden swerves. When an animal is seen trying to cross a road, chances are high that others will follow.

Proceeds from the sale and renewal of the Watch for Wildlife specialty license plate support projects that help animals move between habitat patches, including across Oregon’s highways and roads. Wildlife passage projects have included dedicated undercrossings and overcrossings, as well as modifications to existing bridges and culverts.

“There are almost 80,000 miles of public roads and highways in Oregon. That, coupled with the basic needs all animals have, puts them and us in harm’s way. That’s doubly true during migration season as deer, elk, and other species are moving in greater numbers from their higher elevation summer habitat to lower elevations where they’ll spend the winter,” said Greseth.

Oregonians can order the Watch for Wildlife plate through the DMV or visit myowf.org/watchforwildlife to learn more about how plate sales fund habitat connectivity projects, including wildlife passage efforts across Oregon. 

Happy with your current plate but still want to support habitat connectivity and wildlife passage projects? Consider a donation to Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Migration and Movement Fund (formerly known as the Watch for Wildlife Fund) via Donate Now | Oregon Wildlife Foundation. 

For more information on wildlife movement in Oregon, visit myowf.org/wildlifemoves.

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, the Foundation has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit www.myowf.org.

###

Oregon Wildlife Foundation Welcomes OSP Conservation K-9 Team To Bonneville Fish Hatchery - 08/28/26

September 6th event supports OSP’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation K-9 teams

(CASCADE LOCKS, Ore.) – Oregon Wildlife Foundation welcomes a team from Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division’s Conservation K-9 program to their gift shop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery on Sunday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors will meet OSP Fish & Wildlife Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott, his K-9 partner Drake, and learn about the role that K-9s play in the protection and conservation of Oregon’s fish and wildlife.

This event, hosted by the OWF Gift Shop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, is part of its month-long campaign to support OSP’s Conservation K-9 program. Throughout the month of September, visitors to OWF Gift Shops at Bonneville and in Hood River, can make a donation in support of the program at checkout.

This event also features free fudge and brittle tastings by Granny’s Fudge and a new temporary Herman the Sturgeon tattoo for donations made in any amount to the Conservation K-9 program.

Visitors who spend $100 or more at either OWF Gift Shop location will receive a free OWF tote bag while supplies last. Visitors to their Bonneville location are invited to swing by Herman’s Coffee Bar to check out the Shop’s current seasonal drink specials.

The OWF Gift Shop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the event. Their Hood River Shop is open between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Proceeds from sales at OWF Gift Shops support the Oregon Wildlife Foundation and their work to conserve Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and habitats. The Foundation works with partners across Oregon to increase funding and support for wildlife conservation projects.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Meet one of OSP Fish & Wildlife’s Conservation K-9 teams
When: Sunday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Where: OWF Gift Shop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery
Store Hours:10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Activities: Meet Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott and  Conservation K-9 Drake; free Granny’s Fudge and brittle tastings; temporary Herman the Sturgeon tattoos by donation; seasonal drinks at Herman’s Coffee Bar
September Giving: Donations made at checkout throughout the month of September benefit the Conservation K-9 program

For more information about Oregon Wildlife Foundation and OWF Gift Shops, visit myowf.org.

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, the Foundation has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit myowf.org.

###