Vehicles killing threatened mountain caribou herd

Already at risk from human activities such as old-growth logging and snowmobiling, one of the province's most threatened herds of mountain caribou is being further decimated by motor vehicles on Highway 3 near Creston.

The vehicle-related deaths of three caribou so far this winter, including a pregnant female and calf, from the South Selkirk herd of 40 to 50 animals are prompting calls for a reduction in the maximum speed limit at Kootenay Pass, where the animals gather to lick roadside salt, to 60 km/h from 90 km/h.

Dave Quinn, a biologist with the conservation group Wildsight, also called on the provincial government Monday to improve signage, perhaps with flashing lights, along the critical two-kilometre section through the pass and to consider establishing a salt source well away from the highway.

"The animals have been crossing there since time immemorial, but are being stuck there a little longer than normal because of the salt factor," Quinn said.

Jeff Knight, spokesman for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, said traffic engineers will review the request to lower the speed limit. Staff have also been working with the Ministry of Environment on larger warning signs with better reflectivity. "The signs have been ordered," he said.

He noted the ministry has tried alternative feeding stations for wildlife on a pilot basis elsewhere in B.C. with limited success. These stations can attract predators, he said, noting transportation and environment ministry officials continue to investigate possible solutions.

Kootenay Pass is located at an elevation of 1,775 metres and connects the communities of Salmo and Creston.

As for the concern about predators, Quinn said predators such as wolves tend to be in the lower valleys in winter hunting deer and moose.

He noted that improved signage and lower speed limits have reduced vehicle crashes with wildlife in critical areas within Jasper National Park, helping to protect motorists at the same time.

ICBC reports an annual average of 9,700 motor vehicle accidents -- including 400 injuries and five deaths to human occupants -- involving animals over the five-year period ending 2007. The average cost per crash was $3,100.

The mountain caribou is officially listed as threatened by the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.