After Five Moose Deaths on WY-390, JH Wildlife Foundation Offered Tips to Avoid Collisions

Photo credit: Wes Timmerman

Collisions with vehicles killed five moose in a one-mile section of WY-390, also known as the Teton Village Road, in the last five months according to a recent press release from the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation.

For comparison, JHWF said that on average, for the same highway, 3.5 moose vehicle collisions were reported each year over the past 10 years.

In addition to collecting data about wildlife-vehicle collisions, JHWF is also a resource for information that can help drivers stay safe, protect their families and friends, and avoid collisions with wildlife on area roads. While studies show that slower driving speeds were a significant factor in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, JHWF offered other tips as well:

Reduce driver distractions and increase driver awareness by focusing on the task of driving and not engaging in deep conversation either on the phone or within the vehicle.

Do not utilize your phone or other tools within the vehicle.

Scan the sides of the road for wildlife as you drive.

Drive no faster than the speed limit. In compromised conditions such as during rain or snowstorms or at dawn, dusk, or night, reduce your speed by 10 miles per hour or more as needed.

Recognize that when you see one animal crossing the road, there are likely to be others following. When you see one, reduce your speed and scan the roadsides.

Learn how to recognize important wildlife habitat such as creeks, streams, and other waterways passing under or along the road and increase your awareness for wildlife in these areas.

Flash your hazard lights when you see wildlife in case you need to brake suddenly to avoid a collision.

For more information, read the full JHWF press release.