The Deer that Gave the Ultimate Gift

My name is Marc Gauthier, and I started at Conservation Northwest three months ago. I have been hired as the Cascades to Olympics Sr. Program Manager. The focus of this position is to continue the Conservation Northwest mission to achieve habitat connectivity between the Cascades and Olympics, our great strongholds for wildlife.  

After a thorough statewide evaluation of existing connected open space and data from the most frequent wildlife collision locations, only three viable crossings exist between Olympia and Portland on I-5. Our goal is to secure land on either side of the freeway and to provide safe passage via overpasses. This will ensure that wildlife can continue to move freely and prevent genetic isolation and island effect which threatens the long-term viability of the iconic wildlife species we coexist with. 

To achieve this goal, the corridor must remain intact from east to west, and this takes us through the heart of the Chehalis Basin. For me, returning to the Chehalis is like coming home. While attending Evergreen State, I was an intern for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife tracking elk throughout the Olympic Peninsula. While conducting an elk capture on a farm near Oakville, I met the landowner and he asked if I would be interested in interning on his farm. I was able to work and live along the banks of the Chehalis River and learn how to grow amazing food in the rich soils of the flood plain. That experience led me on my path as a wildlife biologist, and I have worked for a group of Tribes as their wildlife program manager for the last 15 years. 

With a lifetime of preparation, it was time to follow my heart. I am jumping in with both feet, and I have recently learned just how many animals are lost to roadways every year in our state. I see our highway infrastructure in a much different way. On a recent visit to Port Townsend with my family, I taught my 5- and 7-year-old children about the work we do. We crossed the pass on I-90 and drove under the wildlife crossing structure; we paid close attention to the fencing and the underpasses. We marveled at the solution and how it took us so long to figure out how to facilitate safe passage over such a deadly freeway.  

You see, many roadways in Washington now have such persistent traffic that there is no way for animals to safely cross. Those that try end up perishing and causing substantial damage and even death for some unfortunate travelers. As we continued our journey, we paid closer attention to the roadways we traveled and brainstormed different solutions. It was fun to include the kids and envision a future where animals were guided to safe crossings and we humans took on the challenge and engineered a solution.  

We made it to Port Townsend, enjoyed the event we were attending and then headed back towards home. As we drove through town the speed limit was 25 mph and we encountered a black tailed deer in the roadway. The truck coming from the other direction hit the gas and brushed right past her, driving much too fast. I stopped about 75 yards away to give her ample space so she could move across without stress. I rolled down my window and put out my hand, asking the next car that was driving towards her to stop. Thankfully a patient woman driving stopped and the cars began to line up behind us.  

I did this for a good reason. I could tell the doe was stalling. There was a dense hillside of well-manicured bushes about three feet high. No other deer were visible, but she was not leaving the roadway. As the cars stacked up some folks started to demonstrate their agitation. Just as she took another step towards the edge of the road a fawn shot out from the bushes. It was only days old and very happy to join its mother. They moved to edge of the road, yet they still paused. The cars behind us honked and I held out my hand again asking the other car to continue to stay in place. Another second ticked by and then right on queue the second fawn jumped out of the bushes. 

My children were ecstatic! We saved them, they said! The trio walked off the road, and it was a beautiful sight. The other driver passed with a big thumbs up and we felt a sense of pride that we had done our small part to protect the newborn fawns. We also lamented at their ultimate fate, we hoped they would learn quickly and avoid vehicles. This experience helped keep the conversation going.

As we continued our travels, we discussed what changes could be made and how we have a responsibility as drivers to do all we can to stay aware and prevent accidents. It was not long before we were on Highway 16 and getting closer to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. As it often does on this stretch of highway it was very busy, even midday on a Monday. It was basically bumper to bumper at 65 mph. I explained to the kids that this is the type of highway that we really need safe passage for wildlife. We all wondered how any critter could make their way across the never-ending stream of vehicles. I explained that there is a proposed seven miles of new highway 3 which will basically run parallel to Highway 16 several miles away. We talked about how important it is to plan safe passage structures and fencing into the project from the start, rather than figure out how to build it in after the fact, like on the road we were currently driving. 

 As we continued, the traffic slowed to about 50mph. I instinctively looked to the side of the road and there was another black-tailed deer on the ground, a doe, trying to lift herself up but only her head could move; clearly her back was broken. 

Now, normally, I would stop and get her off the road and sit and pray with her until she passed. I have been very fortunate to have lived alongside deer my whole life, I have raised several fawns and spent considerable time caretaking them in some form or fashion. They are like family to me, and I feel it is my responsibility to be there for them at a time of need. In this case there was no way to safely pull over, we were swept along in the endless stream of traffic and my heart ached that she was alone and scared and everyone was flying by. A quick glimpse and then on to our busy lives.  

There were no exits to get off, but thankfully about five minutes later we saw a police car with its lights on, heading in the opposite direction. We hoped they were heading to help her move on and end her suffering. The kids were shaken and so were we. I explained to them that she had just given us a powerful gift! They asked, what do you mean? I said, she just gifted us with her story! Her life will not be lost in vain. We will share her story to help touch the hearts of the people, to remind them to slow down and be vigilant drivers and respectful of wildlife. To prioritize and support safe passage on our most dangerous roadways. And to settle for nothing less than safe passage being built into new projects like on Highway 3.  

With seven miles cutting through a forested landscape there is no doubt that hundreds of animals will have a similar fate and hundreds of vehicles will be damaged and human lives will surely be lost.  

This was not just a deer; she had a spirit and a long life ahead of her. She should not be forgotten, and we will never forget her. I and my family are committed to doing better and I hope you will all join us! 

Marc Gauthier is Conservation Northwest’s Cascades to Olympics senior program manager. Marc has a long history of collaborative work with Conservation Northwest and Tribal partners, including time spent working on mining issues affecting the Columbia River System. He also worked with staff on roadless protections in the late 90’s/ early 2000’s and produced a fantastic film about the adoption of the Roadless Rule and its importance in protecting roadless areas. Marc’s journey from esteemed Conservation Northwest partner to a member of staff feels full circle, a coming home of sorts. We are so thankful to have his knowledge, expertise and profound insights. Welcome to the team, Marc!