The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct its annual spring wildlife surveys this month. Wildlife research biologist, Jim Coffey says the surveys start around one hour after sunset and can last until just about sunrise.

Coffey says the survey then expanded to include deer and eventually all animals they would see. The information helps them chart how each species is doing.

Coffey says each county has a preselected route covering 50 miles of varying habitat. Surveyors will follow the route shining spotlights from both sides of the vehicle to document the animals they see.