Colorado drivers are being urged to remain vigilant as snow-covered roads have become dangerous for both motorists and wildlife.
Over 150 pronghorns have been killed in eastern Colorado in recent days after being struck by vehicles, including large trucks, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
The pronghorns, North America’s fastest land animals, have been seeking refuge on rural roads and highways as deep snow limits their mobility in open fields. CPW explained that these animals struggle to move on icy roads and often cannot escape traffic.
Compounding the problem, pronghorns prefer crawling under fences rather than jumping over them, but with snow depths reaching two feet, they are left with few escape routes.
The recent fatalities occurred in areas stretching from Pueblo to Lamar, Limon, and Hugo. CPW has asked landowners to plow snow-covered fields to create safer spaces for the animals, as efforts to lure them off the roads with bait have proven ineffective.
Last week’s major winter storm blanketed parts of Colorado and New Mexico with heavy, wet snow. Some regions reported up to 54.9 inches of accumulation, forcing wildlife, including pronghorns, to adapt to treacherous conditions.
In response, CPW officers are monitoring pronghorn herds and removing carcasses from roads to minimize further collisions.
Whenever possible, the meat is being donated to local residents and food banks. Officials continue to remind drivers to slow down and watch for pronghorns on or near roadways.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 19 November 2024. Image Credit :Pictureguy/Shutterstock.
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