Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Study Surveys Resume This Week in Kentucky
Field team to study deer population and migration patterns in effort to reduce automobile crashes involving animals
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2024) – Transportation field crews have begun the second of two deer population surveys this fall as part of a study to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in Kentucky to improve highway safety.
The wildlife-vehicle collision study aims to reduce the number of animal-involved vehicular crashes on roadways in the commonwealth. Last year in Kentucky, 3,228 highway crashes where a vehicle struck a deer were reported, up nearly 150 over the previous year. Administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), the study is funded in part by a $1.2 million Federal Highway Administration grant.
“The Beshear Administration places a high priority on keeping Kentuckians safe on our roadways and this study will help provide valuable data to inform practical ways we can save lives by reducing wildlife collisions,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray.
The fall wildlife survey will take place during a three-week period beginning this week. The survey will include inspections of ecological habitats within a quarter-mile of both Interstate 64 and U.S. 60 between Frankfort and Louisville. Surveys will be conducted on the ground and by air using drones with infrared cameras, which will locate and track deer movements. Unlike the surveys conducted over the summer, drone flights could take place during daylight hours.
“Drone and habitat surveys conducted over the summer revealed telling information on the movement patterns of white-tailed deer and how they contribute to wildlife-vehicle collisions, said KYTC project manager Andrew Logsdon. “The fieldwork to be performed will use a similar approach with some additional elements.”
Newly established partnerships with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Parklands of Floyd’s Fork will add valuable deer movement and ecology information through a GPS collaring tracking effort. Ten white-tailed deer, split between the western and eastern sides of the project corridor, will be outfitted with GPS tracking collars by KDFWR.
“The information gathered so far has already highlighted the need to retrofit existing crossing locations to facilitate wildlife movement under both U.S. 60 and I-64 within the project corridor,” said Logsdon.
The commonwealth appreciates the cooperation from landowners to allow temporary access to properties that are within the vicinity of I-64 and U.S. 60. The field surveys will be conducted by staff from Lochner and fellow transportation services firm Qk4, who will carry identification while performing fieldwork.
Data from the wildlife surveys will inform the study’s recommendations, which will include measures to make Kentucky roads safer for drivers and wildlife alike. Recommendations could include wildlife crossings, which are road underpasses and overpasses designed to allow wildlife to cross roadways while keeping motorists, passengers and cargo safe. A report documenting findings and recommendations is anticipated in spring 2025.
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