Vehicle-Wildlife Collisions Reduced on North Fork
Written by Andrew-Rossi on December 18, 2017
Authorities say lowering the speed limit on the North Fork highway may have helped reduce the number of crashes involving wildlife.
A large herd of elk resides in the valley between Cody and the East Entrance to Yellowstone, particularly near Wapiti, and other wildlife frequents that corridor as well. Based on concerns from residents and from hunting and conservation groups, the Wyoming Department of Transportation announced last fall that the speed limit on the Yellowstone Highway would be reduced to 55 miles per hour at night from 65 during the day. Spokesman Cody Beers told KULR-8 news that officials hope to change local drivers’ habits.
Although officials can’t be certain that the change in mortality was solely based on the slower speed limit, a new study found the number of dead animals collected in the area dropped to 28 so far in 2017 compared to 49 in 2016. However, Beers said last winter’s heavy snow may have slowed down drivers more than the speed limit signs.
