During the past few weeks first responders and tow truck drivers have noticed an increase in motor vehicle collisions with animals.

On the weekend of June 15 there was 3 separate collisions involving elk and moose on Highway 22 and Secondary highway 533 alone.

Alberta Parks and Environment Wildlife Biologist Grant Chapman says this time of year we'll see a lot more animals on the move.

"Elk and Moose are what we call Crepuscular animals, which means they move the most at twilight, so in the evening, the morning and sometimes at night. That's typically when you'll see them along the roadsides." Since it's also getting green, elk and moose are known to be foraging in ditches says Chapman.  "Early in the spring during green up, elk are attracted to the roadside where they forage on different species of plants like alfalfa and clovers, or perhaps to access salt which is associated with highway maintenance in the winter."

Eventually the number of these mighty mammals moving throughout the Foothills will slow down, because when the elk reach their summer range, they stay there until fall.

Chapman says right now elk and moose might be moving a little slower because they'll have little ones in tow.

"Because cow elk and moose are traveling with young, if they are along the roadsides often there can be delays in their abilities to cross through fences, navigate road ways and avoid vehicle. With young ones in tow they're moving a lot slower."

That can make things dangerous for ranchers, farmers and hikers who might intrude upon a cow elk or moose and her calf, as they're fiercely protective mamas.

Chapman says if you do see any animal this time of year, it's best to keep your distance.

"Don't approach them, keep a safe distance and watch for signs or animal presence. It's important to keep your dog on a leash and never feed the animals or have any attractants that would bring them towards you."

For drivers, Chapman says it all comes down to being aware, and being prepared if you want to avoid animal collisions.

"You can reduce your speeds, be sure that you're alert and attentive to the area you're driving through. If you see moose or elk increase your following distance and be ready to stop."

He says if you see one, be prepared for more.

"With elks, you'll see herds where it can range from one animal to a thousand in a herd, so if you see one there's often more in the area." Chapman says they often won't change their line to avoid vehicles either.  "Elk and Moose don't often change direction when they're trying to cross a road way, so don't assume they've seen you, and that they'll change their direction, take precautions to prevent that crash yourself."

Alberta Environment and Parks ask that residents report wildlife collisions. 

Chapman says they use that information to inform them on where those collisions are happening and how they can respond to them.

If there are dead or injured animals along the roadways, that can also attract scavengers and predators and may cause secondary accidents.

Reports can be made through the Report a Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.