More than 150 pronghorn killed in Colorado seeking refuge from deep field snow

PUEBLO, Colo. – A significant number pronghorns have died in the east Colorado weigh like winter is coming to the region, according to state conservationists.

The deaths have occurred throughout the area Pueblo Unpleasant Lamar Unpleasant Limon, Hugo and beyond, according to Bill Vogrin, public information officer for the Southeast Region of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), who spoke with FOX Weather on Wednesday.

So deep, crunchy snow Covering the area, state wildlife officials said these mammals take refuge in fields, often putting them in dangerous encounters with vehicles along their paths. Authorities are now urging motorists to exercise caution and reduce their speed, especially at night.

More than 100 pronghorns have died on eastern Colorado roads as winter descends on the region, according to state wildlife officials.

(Colorado Parks and Southeast Region of Wildlife)

A heavy snowstorm blanketed the area with more than two feet of snow last weekend, forcing pronghorn to take refuge on rural roads and highways. The deep snow and icy conditions made this one quick animalsthe fastest land mammals in North America, which cannot use their speed to avoid predators or vehicles.

“We’ve had over 150 collisions, which we believe are mostly large trucks based on the scale of the incidents,” Vogrin said. “They basically lie on the roads until the snow melts and they can return to the grasslands.”

Pronghorn is getting stuck because the snow is reaching the bottom of the barbed wire fences that normally line the roads, Vogrin added.

“Pronghorn prefers to clamber under fences rather than jump over them,” he said.

FILE – A pronghorn buck is spotted in Big Bend National Park in West Texas.

(Dukas/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, baiting a pronghorn to lure them away has not proven effective. To reduce the risk, CPW is calling on landowners to remove snow from their fields so that animals have enough space to shelter. safe.

CPW officials said they are also actively monitoring pronghorn herds and removing carcasses to prevent further damage.