Temporal Variation of Moose–Vehicle Collisions in Alaska

• Main Authors: McDonald, Lucian R, Messmer, Terry A., Guttery, Michael R.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@USU 2019
• Subjects: Alaska; Alces alces; deer–vehicle collision; human–wildlife conflict; mitigation; moose; moose–vehicle collision; ungulate; urbanization; wildlife–vehicle collision; Behavior and Ethology; Zoology
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol13/iss3/8; https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1575&context=hwi

Collisions between vehicles and wildlife have long been recognized to pose threats to motorists and wildlife populations. In addition to the risk of injury or mortality faced by the motorists involved in wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs), other drivers are also put at risk due to road obstructions and traffic congestions associated with WVCs. Most WVCs in Alaska involve moose (Alces alces), an animal that is sufficiently large to pose a threat to property and human life when involved in collisions. We analyzed the temporal variation in the number of moose–vehicle collisions (MVCs) reported in the 4 most populous boroughs of Alaska, USA from 2000–2012. We examined daily and annual trends in MVC rates and compared them to moose and human behavioral patterns to better understand possible mitigation strategies. The distribution of MVCs was skewed toward winter and hours of the day with less visibility. Fifty percent of the MVCs reported from 2000–2012 occurred where the commuter rush hours overlapped with dusk and dawn in winter. Knowledge of these temporal patterns can provide managers with practical mitigation options, such as the use of seasonal speed reduction, improved lighting strategies, dynamic signage, or partnerships with mobile mapping services.