Elks posing problems along I-84

Travelers on I-84 between Boise and Mountain Home should be aware of wintering elk and other big game animals, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

Recently, drivers have spotted elk and other big game animals near or crossing the interstate in the 30-mile stretch between the Blacks Creek exit and the first Mountain Home exit.

ITD and Idaho Fish and Game urge motorists to be attentive, particularly in this I-84 corridor.

"Winter conditions have caused the elk and other big game to move and seek shelter and forage opportunities in that area," said ITD Environmental Planner Scott Rudel.

In 2007 in Idaho (the most recent complete year of statistics) almost 1,300 vehicles collided with wildlife, resulting in 200 serious injuries to drivers and passengers. In response, ITD and Fish and Game developed the Idaho Highway Wildlife website to both warn motorists of wildlife corridors and to track game sightings.

To access the site, go to fishandgame.idaho.gov and click on fish/wildlife. Look for the heading "Wildlife Management Issues" and click on the "Highway Wildlife Collisions" link for instructions to access the database. (http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/manage_issues/collision/).

The site is also interactive, allowing motorists to report where and when they see wildlife on the road. The Web uses a Google map to show wildlife corridors, a description of the types of wildlife that cross there, and how many incidents have been reported.