Effectiveness of earthen escape ramps in reducing big game mortality in Utah.

摘要

One-way escape gates and earthen escape ramps are structures used to enable deer to exit the highway right-of-way along fenced roads. I compared the use of one-way escape gates and earthen escape ramps by mule deer on two highways in Utah to determine if deer exhibited a preference for either structure. Results showed that earthen escape ramps were used by mule deer 8 to 11 times more frequently than one-way gates. Mortality data suggest that the installation of the escape ramps reduced mortality of mule deer in both study locations. Management recommendations that address the placement and spacing of escape ramps will help wildlife and highway personnel implement the use of these ramps in other locations; A cost-benefit analysis was conducted to determine if the cost of ramp installation was offset within a reasonable time period by the monetary savings associated with reduced deer-vehicle collisions. Results showed that the cost of installation of earthen escape ramps is rapidly offset by the benefits associated with reduced deer-vehicle collisions. Installing earthen escape ramps on game fenced highways is a cost-effective way to reduce deer mortalities along roadways.