WILDFIRE
New deer crossing tech will alert drivers when wildlife is nearby
May 8, 2023, 2:00 PM | Updated: May 9, 2023, 6:59 am
The signs will flash as deer and other large wildlife get close to the road. Photo: Adam Small/ KSL NewsRadio.
SALT LAKE CITY — A first-of-its-kind technology for Utah will help drivers be more alert to deer crossing, and make areas known for them more safe.
Drivers on SR-73 in Eagle Mountain are likely used to seeing deer crossing signs. But now, they could see flashing lights and a warning to slow down thanks to new infrared technology.
“[The sign] uses infrared technology to sense as the deer get close to the highway,” said Josee Seamons, a biologist with the Division of Wildlife Resources.
When animals get close, the system can alert drivers to nearby wildlife in real time.
The upgrades come just in time, Seamons says.
Deer spend most of the summer on the north side of SR-73. Come winter, the deer will have migrated across the highway, into the south side of Eagle Mountain.
Scott Root with the Division of Wildlife Resources said to keep an eye out for installations in the near future.
“Although it sounds pretty simple, it is something we are excited about and we hope it can make a difference,” said Root.
Now, with this technology, both people and animals can live and be better protected.
Eventually, an underpass will go in place as a more permanent solution to the deer crossing. However, due to funding, the signs as well as fencing will help direct deer and drivers for now.
Elizabeth Weiler contributed to this story.
