Citation

Garrett LC, Conway GA. Int. J. Circumpolar Health. 1998; 57(Suppl 1): 527-531.

Affiliation

Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, International Union for Circumpolar Health, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10093336

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Moose have successfully adapted to urban sprawl in Anchorage, Alaska, using greenbelt areas for shelter, forage, and protection. However, the proximity of moose to people poses unique hazards: a collision with a moose may cause significant injury and vehicle damage. METHODS: Moose-vehicle collisions were identified using Municipality of Anchorage records. Completeness of reporting was assessed from Alaska Department of Fish and Game records. RESULTS: The moose-vehicle collision rate increased significantly from 38 to 49.2/100,000/yr during the study period (p = .005, x2 = 7.795). Of 519 reported moose-auto collisions, 120 (23%) resulted in injury to 158 people, with no human fatalities. Most collisions (291 or 56%) occurred between 1800 and 0200 hours; 411 (79%) occurred after dark; 154 (30%) occurred during December and January; and slick road conditions were identified in 280 (54%) incidents. Incidents occurred primarily near greenbelt areas. CONCLUSIONS: Moose-vehicle collisions often occur at night, on unlighted, slick road surfaces. Moose-vehicle collisions may be prevented by: reducing speed limits around green-belt areas, brighter vehicle headlights, placement of street lights in known moose areas, underpasses for wildlife at known crossings, and snow removal to reduce berm height in known moose areas.