Migration season is here: Drivers urged to watch for deer
Every fall, Eagle Mountain becomes part of the remarkable mule deer migration through the city.
The deer travel a historic route stretching from the Oquirrh Mountains near Camp Williams to their wintering grounds in the Lake Mountains. While awe-inspiring, this migration often leads to collisions on busy roadways, posing risks to both drivers and wildlife.
“We still lose deer due to deer-vehicle collisions, but losses on Cory Wride Memorial highway, SR-73, have been significantly reduced due to our new detection and crossing system,” says Eagle Mountain Wildlife Biologist Todd Black.
With the migration season now in full swing, Eagle Mountain City is urging drivers to remain vigilant.
The stretch of Pony Express Parkway between Lone Tree and Eagle Valley Elementary is a particular hotspot for deer-vehicle collisions. Last year, 11 deer were lost in such incidents, and the City is committed to reducing that number by raising awareness and continuing its proactive conservation efforts.
Eagle Mountain has prioritized protecting wildlife as the community grows in population. In 2020, it adopted the Wildlife Overlay Zone to safeguard the mule deer migration corridor. Since then, the city has worked with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other partners to implement measures aimed at reducing the risks to migrating deer.
These efforts include installing thermal infrared detection systems along SR-73 to alert drivers when deer are nearby and building wildlife-impermeable fencing to guide the animals toward safer crossing points. The city has also established a designated Mule Deer Migration Corridor to allow these animals to move freely without disruption.
“Eventually, we will have a mule deer luge through the city, with over 50 miles of mule deer impermeable fence that will allow the deer to travel to and from summer and winter ranges with the least amount of human-wildlife conflict” says Black.
These efforts are part of a long-term plan that will further include two wildlife overpasses, one underpass and multiple at-grade crossings on City streets.
The project has included collaboration with Camp Williams, private landowners and conservation organizations like the Mule Deer Foundation to accelerate its progress.
In 2024, for example, Camp Williams replaced half a mile of outdated fencing with a secure, deer-proof fencing, improving safety for both the mule deer and the facility itself.
As migration season peaks, the City is asking drivers to take extra precautions, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Slowing down, staying alert and watching for deer crossing signs can make a significant difference in preventing collisions.
“If we would all just slow down a bit, even drive the speed limit, which is 35 miles per hour, and we are encouraging folks to drive 25 through the Overland, Hidden Hollow and the Lone Tree area on Pony Express, it would help a bunch,” says Black. “Pay attention and don’t be a statistic.”
To learn more about Eagle Mountain’s wildlife conservation efforts and how to stay safe during migration season, search online for the city’s Wildlife Conservation page.
To reduce collisions and protect both motorists and wildlife, the City encourages drivers to remain cautious and informed during the migration season.