Drivers on the Sea to Sky Highway will notice signs this May long weekend warning of a new threat on the roads: elk.
Conservation officers say since Roosevelt elk were reintroduced to the Squamish Valley, five of the massive animals have been killed in collisions on the highway in the last couple of years – four in the last few months.
They’re the largest species of elk in Canada, and officials are warning their increased numbers mean danger for drivers.
“These are not small animals,” said Squamish RCMP Const. Martin Mindel. “There’s a lot of vehicle damage and personal damages that occur from these collisions, so having a sign, making people aware will help.”
Roosevelt elk were hunted to extinction in the Squamish Valley about 100 years ago, and only recently reintroduced to the area in 2011 by the ministry of forests, lands and natural resources.
A small group of the animals splintered off from the main herd and has since moved into green space that surrounds Highway 99.
With elk bulls weighing up to 1000 lbs., “their mass does go through the windshield and the roof, which, you’re right under that, so it’s a very high potential of bodily harm,” Mindel said.
It’s not just the elk that officials are warning motorists about. With the increase in herd numbers, predators are being drawn to the area, and that poses a different kind of threat for drivers.
“When you have a new source of food for predatorial animals like wolves, cougars, it can bring them into town,” said BC Conservation Officer Simon Gravel.
“If you see a bear along the highway, it’s very important to not stop. Of course reduce your speed, but don’t stop, don’t approach the bear, don’t try to take a picture.”
Gravel asks motorists to safely report any animals spotted along the highway to BC Conservation Officer Service by calling 1-877-952-7277.
With a report from CTV Vancouver's Peter Grainger
