Large animals occurring on Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and adjoining property pose a number of concerns to area residents and government agencies. Some of these concerns are animal-related accidents that can result in human injuries and fatalities, property damage, and a loss of an economically viable resource (game). We analyzed animal-vehicle accident data with respect to time, season, location, and species for accidents occurring on LANL property and analyzed site characteristics of accident hotspots. We observed a significantly greater number of vehicleelk (Cervus elaphus) accidents during winter compared to summer and spring and a greater number of elk and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) vehicle accidents during late afternoon and evening hours compared to morning and afternoon hours. We estimated a cost of $136,500 per year associated with animal–vehicle accidents occurring on LANL property (excluding medical costs). Slope and vegetation height were the best predictors of the status of an area as a hotspot or a control site. These data will be used in public education efforts and to develop mitigation measures to reduce the potential for accidents.
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1 September 2004
ANIMAL-RELATED VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AT THE LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY, NEW MEXICO
James Biggs,
Sherri Sherwood,
Sarah Michalak,
Leslie Hansen,
Carey Bare
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The Southwestern Naturalist
Vol. 49 • No. 3
September 2004
Vol. 49 • No. 3
September 2004