NORTH CAROLINA - In order to help reduce the number of wildlife-related automobile crashes, the N.C. Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be aware of the increased presence of deer on state roads during the fall months. 
 
More than 19,500 animal-related crashes were reported each of the last three years, and 90 percent of those involved deer. Since 2008, the incidents have resulted in 3,453 injuries to people, of which 17 were fatal, and nearly $136 million in property damage.
 
“Deer are constantly on the move this time of year, especially in densely populated areas,” said NCDOT Director of Mobility and Safety Kevin Lacy. “Drivers need to be alert at all times. However, if you can’t avoid a deer, it is better to hit it than to lose control of your vehicle and cause a bigger accident.”

CALDWELL COUNTY - A 76-year-old Hickory man has begun rabies treatments after he was attacked by a rabid fox while playing golf in Caldwell County.

According to the Caldwell County Animal Control, the man was playing golf with friends on Wedneday at the Granada Farms Country Club Golf Course in Granite Falls.

According to reports, the fox came out of the woods around 2:30 p.m. and attacked the man, biting him on the bottom part of his leg. Reports state that the men playing golf with the man began beating the fox with their golf clubs. Caldwell County Animal Control says the animal was killed by the men.

HICKORY - Officials will host a community meeting next week to discuss the black bear sightings that have been reported during the summer.

Black bear sightings have been reported in several sections of northwest Hickory, where two parks could provide refuge.

Parks and Recreation staff has not reported any sightings at Geitner-Rotary Park or Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Memorial Park but they are taking precautions to deter bear presence.