Watch Out for the Wildlife!

Two weeks ago, my Yellowstone Country Safety tip was “Drive cautiously through the forest. Wildlife can quickly emerge from the trees to cross the highway. A moose hit by a vehicle can crash through the windshield and end up in your lap!”

The same day the paper was distributed containing that tip, a Nissan Rogue compact SUV hit a moose on Hwy 20 at Chick Creek. Four foreign tourists were southbound when a bull moose crossed the highway in front of them. The brakes were not applied as they struck the moose at approximately 65 miles per hour. Part of the moose entered the vehicle through the windshield, striking all occupants. The vehicle continued for about 200 yards sheering off trees, before coming to rest in an aspen grove. All four occupants were hospitalized and the vehicle was totaled.

Driving through the forest requires caution. Large game animals are designed by nature to blend into the trees. The dark brown moose disappears in the timber and cannot be seen until it has emerged. At 65 miles per hour, there may not be enough time to avoid the collision. Dusk through dark is the most difficult time to spot an animal but daylight will not guarantee your safety if the animal makes a dash for the other side of the road.

Those who are vacationing or passing through Island Park should be vigilant. 

Highway 20 bisects a forest with a healthy population of large wildlife. Drive cautiously through the trees and slow down. Dropping your speed by 10 mph will increase your ability to avoid animals and help you arrive at your destination safely.