KENORA, Ont. — The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is cautioning drivers to be on the lookout for moose and deer because the number of both animals along the roadsides remains high.

Scott McAughey, a MNR spokesperson, told local media that the numbers of moose and deer along Northwestern Ontario roads is still high because the animals are foraging for a winter diet of deciduous trees commonly found along highways.

He says there have been more moose along the highway between Vermilion Bay and Thunder Bay than in the Kenora area, and deer have been more of a threat near Lake of the Woods.

McAughey says deer are more of an issue than moose along highways in Northwestern Ontario.

“Those highway corridors provide perfect habitats,” McAughey recently told the Kenora Enterprise. “Both browsing and grazing opportunities for deer are available on the edge of highways. It’s unfortunate, but we’ve inadvertently created an excellent habitat for both species on the edges of our highways.”

McAughey says drivers should remain alert and try not to drive at night if possible, to avoid hitting moose or deer.