2/2/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Motorists beware of elk on I-84 between Boise and Mountain Home
BOISE - Travelers of I-84 between Boise and Mountain Home should be aware of wintering elk and other big game animals on or near the roadway, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) cautions.
Elk and other big game have recently been spotted near or crossing the interstate in the 30-mile stretch between the Blacks Creek exit and the first Mountain Home exit. ITD and Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) urge motorists to be attentive, particularly in this I-84 corridor.
"Winter conditions have caused the elk and other big game to move and seek shelter and forage opportunities in that area," said ITD Environmental Planner Scott Rudel.
ITD and IDFG will update motorists to changing conditions regarding the animal migration as information comes available.
In 2007 in Idaho (the most recent complete year of statistics) almost 1,300 vehicles collided with wildlife, resulting in 200 serious injuries to drivers and passengers. In response, ITD and Fish and Game 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/)
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.