Highway mitigation fencing reduces wildlife-vehicle collisions

Road mortality can significantly impact some wildlife populations. However, few studies have assessed the effectiveness of measures to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs). We evaluated highway mitigation fencing to reduce WVCs along 3 4-lane sections (phase 1, 2, 3A) of the Trans-Canada highway in Banff National Park, Alberta. We collected data on WVCs and animal intrusions on the fenced right-of-way from 1981 to 1999. We found that WVCs were distributed nonrandomly after fencing and were associated with and close to fence ends. Wildlife-vehicle collisions were greatest within 1 km of fence ends, but proximity to major drainages also likely influenced location of collisions. Post-fencing WVCs were reduced effectively as ungulate-vehicle collisions declined 80%. Wildlife-vehicle collisions and animal intrusions onto the right-of-way were not associated with fence-access points. We recommend methods of modifying motorist behavior and fence design to decrease accident probability at fence ends.

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