The Nevada Departments of Transportation and 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,” Nevada Highway Patrol 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 begins in March, depending on weather,” Nevada Department of Wildlife 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. Research estimates that more than 50 percent of such collisions go unreported, pointing to a potentially higher number of animal-related incidents.
NDOT and NDOW have jointly installed one safety crossing on I-80 at Silver Zone Pass and five safety crossings on U.S. 93 north of Wells. The crossings are designed to reduce the chance of vehicle-animal collisions by carrying deer and other large animals over or under the roadway. The crossing walkways are covered with native soil 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 35,000 mule deer used a safety crossing; keeping them off the road and away from potential collisions with vehicles. Additional safety overpasses are scheduled to begin construction this summer on I-80’s Pequop Summit between Wells and West Wendover.
