Motorists to become elk aware: Elk Crossing signs to be installed on Highway 99

Known for its breathtaking views at nearly every twist and turn, the Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most scenic drives in North America. Now, drivers will be alerted to the possibility of yet another spectacular sight along Highway 99 with the installation of two Elk Crossing warning signs.

The signs, which are being installed May 15 on the northbound lane near the Cleveland Avenue intersection as well as on the southbound lane near the Mamquam River Bridge, are expected to help mitigate vehicle-wildlife collisions along Highway 99 and protect the local elk population. 

"This Elk herd is using our greenspaces quite regularly – they are not just passing through the community,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “The introduction of such initiatives aims to manage public safety, and also protect and conserve the area’s wildlife. These signs are a step along the way to achieving that."

Since 2012, five elk have been struck by vehicles on Highway 99, four of which were killed thus also posing a serious risk to motorists. Wildlife officials hope that the signage will assist in raising awareness about wildlife on the highway and reducing the number of vehicle-elk collisions. 

Roosevelt elk, the largest of the remaining elk species, were reintroduced into the Squamish Valley by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in 2007. They can weigh up to 498 kilograms (1,100 pounds). Elk are a blue-listed species which means they are a species of concern.

"It is our goal to keep both humans and elk free from conflict within District of Squamish boundaries,” says Meg Toom of Wildsafe BC. “As a certified Bear Smart Community, the District of Squamish is committed to ensuring both residents and visitors are aware that we live and drive in wildlife country.”

The new highway signage is part of an ongoing initiative to reduce human-wildlife conflict. In 2011, the District of Squamish, in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Miller Capilano Maintenance Corporation, took similar precautions by installing five Bear Warning signs along Highway 99 from Squamish to Whistler which were the first of their kind in BC. The District also partnered with the Ministry of Transportation, Miller Capilano Maintenance Corporation and Carney's Waste Systems to plant 45 cedar trees along the east side of Highway 99 at the Culliton Creek Bridge to prevent drivers from stopping to view wildlife. 

For more information on initiatives to reduce human-wildlife conflict please visit the Wildsafe BC website.

May 15, 2015

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