LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- State officials are trying to reduce crashes that involve wildlife in Kentucky with a new study.
According to a news release Tuesday, field crews will begin the first of two deer population surveys this summer in an effort to reduce the wildlife-vehicle crashes and improve highway safety. Every year, motorists on Kentucky roads are involved in 3,000-4,000 collisions with wildlife.
It is funded by a $1.2 million Federal Highway Administration grant announced last year by Gov. Andy Beshear.
"Protecting our traveling families from wildlife accidents is a priority for Team Kentucky," Beshear said in a news release. "That is why we are working to find ways to reduce these incidents and prevent injuries, damage to property and vehicles and, most importantly, loss of life."
The survey will take place during three-week periods in July and the fall. It will inspect ecological habitats within a quarter mile of both Interstate 64 and U.S. 60 between Frankfort and Louisville. The surveys will utilize drones and infrared cameras.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet contracted with staff from transportation service firms Lochner and QK4 to conduct the field surveys.Â
"Data from the wildlife surveys will inform the study’s recommendations, which will include measures to make Kentucky roads safer for drivers and wildlife alike," KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said in a news release.
According to a news release, recommendations could include exclusionary fencing or wildlife crossings, which are road underpasses and overpasses designed to allow wildlife to cross roadways while keeping drivers safe. The report is anticipated by the spring 2025.Â
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- Kentucky Fish & Wildlife to use $1.2M grant to prevent collisions with animals on state's roads
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