Heed those 'Closed Trail' signs if you want to help wildlife

Bluebird skies, warming temperatures, and snow-free terrain might have you itching to hike your favorite trail.

But be prepared to encounter a "closed trail" sign. Several Northwest hiking routes are off-limits to humans this time of year. That's because the region's migrant mule deer still need a few months to themselves.

"Giving them a little bit of space and a little consideration can be helpful to ensure that we have healthy deer populations," said David Volsen, a district wildlife biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Read the rest of the story on Oregon Public Broadcasting.