caution driving along Santiago Canyon road

[Kid A]

just passing along...

This was issued by the Irvine Ranch Water District Management. Please
pass along...

ALL EMPLOYEES:

Employees are advised to drive with extra caution along Santiago Canyon Road (especially within the burn areas) and to be alert for deer and other wildlife. Orange County Animal Control (OCAC) stated yesterday that since the fires, there are on average four (4) deer per week being struck by/running into vehicles along Santiago Canyon Road. OCAC stated the shelters and food sources for the deer and other wildlife were destroyed by the recent fires. For example, last week, a mountain lion found searching for food near Irvine Lake had to be euthanized because its paws were badly burned. The County expects that this particular instance is probably not an isolated case. According to OCAC, the wildlife is searching for both food and for shelter. They stated that many of the animals are now homeless and disoriented and it will take some time before the crisis for the animals has passed. They are asking that drivers use extra caution within these burn areas. Orange County Public Works is considering placing additional signage along the road other than the standard signs to alert drivers. The fires have taken a devastating toll on the wildlife and the County is working to do what they can to help alleviate the problem and they are asking for our assistance.