Urban encroachment on the wilderness: moose-vehicle collisions in Anchorage, Alaska, 1991-1995.
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.
Garrett
L C
LC
Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.
Conway
G A
GA
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D014507:Urbanization / Q000639:trends