Fall is a time of transition and preparation. Leaves change colors, animals change into their winter pajamas, birds molt, fawns lose their spots, winter coats are traded for shredded summer pelts. Many babies are born in the fall, including squirrels, opossum, turtles, salamanders, lizards and snakes.

Harvest time is also the wild animals’ chance to fill the larder for leaner winter times or to fatten up for migration or hibernation. As daylight shortens a less obvious change occurs. Animals that move at dusk are crossing roads closer and closer to rush hour. This means you are more likely to collide with a deer as you drive to or from work.

We should take time to make some important changes in our driving habits at this time of year. As soon as you see a deer on the side of the road or in the road, do two things: put your foot on the brake and your hand on the horn allowing you and the deer more time to react to a very dangerous situation.

If you find an injured animal, call Animal Control or Piedmont Wildlife Center (919) 572-9453.

Bobby Schopler is executive director of the Piedmont Wildlife Center.