Local motorists are being reminded to take extra care when travelling, especially at night, after two recent collisions involving a moose and a deer.

The Department of Environment said in a statement this morning the first collision happened on Hamilton Boulevard just past the roundabout at Elijah Smith Elementary School late on Dec. 17 when a moose and a vehicle collided.

The collision with the deer occurred at around 6:30 p.m. last Thursday on the Alaska Highway just south of the Mount Sima turnoff.

Conservation officer Pete Gibson said it's unknown if there were injuries to those in the vehicles. The extent of damage to either of the vehicles is also unknown, he said, noting they were gone when conservation officers arrived on the scene.

They were able to track the moose shortly into the bush off Hamilton Boulevard. There was no blood and no other indications of injuries to the moose.

While there have been no other reports of wildlife collisions in the city, there have been numerous reports of ungulates (moose, caribou and deer).

Mule deer were seen grazing next to the Alaska Highway, across from the airport and along Robert Service Way last week. Many caribou, moose and deer tracks have been spotted throughout the city.

Other reports have come in of caribou near the Whitehorse Rapids Dam, though Gibson said conservation officers haven't confirmed it yet.

The recent abundance of caribou, moose and deer may be a result of the heavy snow level in the bush, he added.

Being closer to the city puts the animals in spots where it's easier to forage for food.

With the animals coming closer to town, Gibson reminded drivers of the need to be aware of possible wildlife on the road and to slow down and drive accordingly in keeping an eye out for the animals.

The department also reminded residents to watch their pets when outside to avoid attacks by wolves, coyotes and foxes found within city limits.