Watch for wildlife — use caution!
Many animals are attracted to roadsides by salt, including these bighorn sheep. (Photo by Peter Pannetone)
In an effort to encourage drivers to be more actively watching out for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and other wildlife on the roads in the Radium Hot Springs area, the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program (WCPP) has erected a new billboard with a strong safety message on Highway 93/95 along what is known as the ‘mile hill’ stretch – that’s the hill that runs south of the village toward Invermere.
Barb Waters, regional manager of the BC Conservation Foundation says that “the combination of increasing speed on a long straight stretch by uphill and downhill traffic and the concentration of bighorns due to terrain and habitat features makes it a hot spot for bighorn sheep/vehicle collisions.”
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are blue-listed. This means that the species has been deemed vulnerable in our province. Although much work has been undertaken to restore habitat and transplant bighorn sheep, drivers are urged to slow down to reduce highway wildlife fatalities on the roads.
During fall and winter months when forage is scarce at higher levels, wildlife tend to move down toward valley bottoms in search for food and are attracted to the salt on roadsides. Although bighorns are generally most active during the daylight hours, please be extra cautious during the low light periods at dawn and dusk, in poor weather conditions and when roads are icy. Also, be aware that during the annual rut, males often exhibit erratic behavior.
To learn more about wildlife collisions, visit http://www.wildlifecollisions.ca
