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EDITORIAL: For elk’s sake

At least seven elk have been killed since 2012 along the stretch of Highway 99 between Cleveland Avenue and Industrial Way, according to data from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, which is responsible for the highway and keeps track
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At least seven elk have been killed since 2012 along the stretch of Highway 99 between Cleveland Avenue and Industrial Way, according to data from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, which is responsible for the highway and keeps track of highway-wildlife statistics.

Last week, this stretch of highway was closed for a time after an elk was struck.

This carnage is a concern for motorists and conservationists.

 And it has been for some time.

The District’s Meg Toom, who provides wildlife education and co-ordination services for the municipality, told The Chief the issue is more complicated than one might think.

In 2013, then Squamish mayor Rob Kirkham penned a letter to the provincial ministry of transportation highlighting concerns over crashes with wildlife. The letter suggested more lighting, a review of the median barrier height, wildlife fencing in problematic areas, and warning signs, Toom recalled. In the intervening years, warning signs have been erected, but there were and are challenges with each of the other measures.

With wildlife overpasses or underpasses — a solution many Squamish residents point to every time an animal is hit — Toom said for them to work, exclusion fencing would also be needed to guide the wildlife to the crossing

Along the corridor where most of the accidents are happening, however, intersections would prevent the “necessary extensive, uninterrupted fencing that would be required,” Toom said.

She also said that to the east and west of this problem stretch of Highway 99, the passes could lead wildlife into hazardous area such as school grounds, neighbourhoods, and restaurants.

That wouldn’t be good for them, or humans.

Drastically reduced speed limits through the most concerning stretch of highway would undoubtedly reduce the number of crashes, but would not endear the community to tourists or the businesses who depend on them.

So, not something the province is going to be in a hurry to do.

There is no silver bullet to this problem, but for driving anywhere along the Sea to Sky, tips from the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program seem our best bet.

Be most alert between dusk and dawn. This is when animals are active and light is low.

Drivers and passengers should actively watch: for wildlife on the road, in the ditch, on the shoulder, and in the right of way; for movement on or alongside the road, shining eyes, which will be the vehicle’s headlights reflecting off the animal’s eyes.

Also watch for flickering headlights of oncoming cars or taillights of the vehicles in front of you, which may be an animal crossing the road.

Watch too for roadside reflectors that disappear/reappear, which might indicate an animal crossing in front of them.

Is there a solution being missed? Tell us what you think should be done about this issue by writing a letter to the editor at editor@squamishcheif.com.

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