ELKO - The Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Nevada Highway Patrol are reminding motorists to drive safely in wildlife-prone areas with the spring animal migration.
"A large deer or animal can cause great damage to a vehicle, and more importantly, to motorists," NHP Trooper Jim Stewart said. "We want to continue to remind motorists to drive carefully, in wildlife-prone areas and elsewhere. Look for deer/elk crossing signs and scan the road ahead for potential wildlife."
"Spring deer migration in northeastern Nevada usually begins in early or mid-March, depending on weather," NDOW Public Information Officer Joe Doucette explained. "Deer often cross Interstate 80 and U.S. 93 in the northeastern part of the state, as well as other areas."
In a recent five-year span, there were nearly 2,500 reported vehicle-animal collisions across Nevada, including approximately 1,300 involving deer.
NDOT and NDOW have jointly installed five safety crossings on U.S. 93 north of Wells. The two overpasses and three underpasses are designed to reduce the chance of collisions caused as deer and other large animals migrate across U.S. 93.
The underpass and overpass walkways are covered with earth to replicate the natural environment and encourage use by animals. Deer fencing is installed on both sides of the crossings to help direct animals to cross at the designated overpasses and underpasses.
Research conducted by the University of Nevada, Reno, shows that, during the first four migrations in which safety crossings were installed, more than 16,000 mule deer were kept off the road and away from potential collisions with vehicles.
[[In-content Ad]]
