Traffic vs. mule deer.

[1911]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=13415016

OGAN, Utah (AP) -- A five-year study on the effects of winter feeding on mule deer suggests that wildlife experts may underestimate the effect of deer-vehicle collisions on herd productivity.

The national study by the Utah State University-based Jack H. Berryman Institute shows a rise in the number of deer-vehicle crashes.

Also increasing are the number of human deaths or injuries in those crashes.

Logan's Herald Journal reported Friday that the federal institute also found that more people die in head-on collisions with deer than with any other wildlife species.

Terry Messmer, a USU Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist, said the study followed 100 radio-collared mule deer.

It found that 30 percent of deer deaths were from vehicle crashes.

Messmer said the findings coincide with increases in the number of deer in urban areas -- a trend expected to increase as wildlife populations grow and development continues to encroach on winter range and migration routes.

"You've got more movement, more traffic volume, all of those things can create the perfect storm for deer-vehicle collisions," Messmer said.

Drivers can take some precautions to reduce the likelihood of crashes, including turning off cell phones and driving "for the conditions," like slowing down on snowy roads, Messmer said.

"There's no magic cure for this," Messmer said. "Even with fences, there's no such thing as a deer-proof fence. They will break it down and they will navigate it."

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 

[feduptwo]

USU is great at these kind of studies.
30% of their collared deer died from vehicle collisons and we are all running around worried about coyotes and lions and to many elk. (I'm not anti predator control or pro elk guy). We all know of the rural or semi rural roads that deer get hit like gophers and fences aren't feasible; solution:
A mandatory strict reduction in speed through winter ranges (or summer ranges where it is an issue) punishable by double fines like a construction area. This would be especially handy at night. The double fine could be earmarked for habitat and better design of new roads, and retrofit and fencing of old roads. Politically incorrect maybe but I know that when I drive to Rifle CO this time of year and its like driving through a mine field there are so many deer on the road. I slow down 10-15mph and I've haven't hit one yet. I have much easier time avoiding collisons.