12/16/2008
New Web site alerts motorists to wildlife corridors and tracks game sightings
BOISE - Collisions with wildlife in Idaho have occurred as long as cars and trucks have traveled our roads.
Last year in Idaho, almost 1,300 vehicles collided with wildlife resulting in 200 serious injuries to drivers and passengers. (Click here for a high-resolution photograph of Bighorn sheep crossing a highway)
That's why the Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho Fish and Game Department developed the Idaho Highway Wildlife Web site to both warn motorists of wildlife corridors and to track game sightings. To access the site, go to fishandgame.idaho.gov and click on fish/wildlife. Look for the heading "Wildlife Management Issues" and click on the "Highway Wildlife Collisions" link for instructions to access the database. (http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/manage_issues/collision/)
"This is the time of year when a majority of wildlife-related accidents occur," Kim Just, an environmental planner for the transportation department, said. "With the new wildlife Web site, you can look up a route and see what the dangers are ahead of time and plan."
The site is also interactive, allowing motorists to report where and when they see wildlife on the road. The Web uses a Google map to show wildlife corridors, a description of the types of wildlife that cross there, and how many incidents have been reported.
Northern Idaho's U.S. 95 at McArthur Lake near Sandpoint has more wildlife collisions than any other highway in the state. That's where white-tailed deer and moose spend the winter. Interstate 15 in southeast Idaho is next.
The most visible crossings in the heavily populated southwest Idaho region occur on Idaho 21, outside of Boise. This highway is known for frequent deer collisions as the deer move down to the foothills to forage for food.
"The site is gathering more information about known problem areas around the state," said Greg Burak, a wildlife biologist for the Idaho Fish and Game Department. "With the data we collect, it will allow cities, counties and developers to better protect migration corridors and provide open space."
Throughout Idaho, the transportation and fish and game departments have taken many steps to prevent collisions with wildlife. High fences, signs, flashing warning lights and diversion tunnels have been installed.
Driving tips:
You can help prevent what could be a deadly collision. Drive defensively and follow these tips:
- Fasten your seat belt. Seat belts are the best protection in a crash.
- Always drive with caution in wildlife habitat, especially on two-lane roads.
- Slow down when passing yellow game-crossing signs. These warnings are posted because heavy wildlife traffic frequents the area.
- Deer are most frequently hit during dusk and dawn, bears and moose at night.
- Deer are especially active during the fall mating season and in the spring - when they are on the move to find food, they are often near roads, where the grass greens up first.
- Deer, elk, and antelope wander in herds. If you see one crossing, slow to a crawl. More are bound to follow.
- Deer often travel in single file. If you see one deer cross the road, chances are there are more nearby.
- Slow if you see a moose. Instead of loping into the forest, moose will frequently gallop down the road ahead of you for long distances before finally veering into the woods.
- Pay attention to roadway shoulders. Even though wildlife may be off to the side as your car approaches, animals may suddenly attempt to flee by inexplicably leaping into the road. Slow as you approach, and don't hesitate to honk the horn.
- Look for eyes reflecting headlights in the night.
- Wildlife eat road salt. Watch for wildlife on recently salted and sanded roads.
Total Crashes with Wildlife:
2006 - 1,192
2007 - 1,281
Total Injuries to People:
2006 - 230
2007 - 202
Total Deaths due to Wildlife Collisions (People):
Since 1997 - 27