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Hotspot Analyses for Large Mammal-Vehicle Collisions in California

Project #: 4W6693
Start Date: 06/02/2017
End Date: 07/31/2018
Status: Completed
RESULTS & FINDINGS:

The final report provides guidance on the implementation of mitigation measures aimed at reducing collisions with large wild mammals along all state managed highways in California, with an emphasis on mule deer. These analyses identified the road sections that had the “highest” concentration of deer-vehicle crashes and mule deer carcasses. The hot spots were prioritized based on parameters related to human safety, biological conservation, and economics. Finally, the researchers provided practical guidelines for the implementation of mitigation measures and suggest mitigation strategies for the highest-ranking hot spots in each Caltrans district.

ABSTRACT:

This project aims to conduct a statewide hotspot analysis of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the state of California. The results of the analyses will help the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) make informed decisions regarding future implementation of mitigation measures for wildlife along highways. The goals are to improve human safety, reduce unnatural deaths of large mammals, and maintain or improve habitat connectivity for wildlife. This project will be based on the methods developed from a previous pilot study conducted by WTI called, “Procedures and Tools for Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Hotspot Analyses; Using Caltrans District 10 as an Example.”

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this project is to conduct a statewide hotspot analysis of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the state of California.