High Season for Wildlife Accidents: Police Respond to Multiple Collisions
October, November, and December mark the high season for wildlife accidents, and Thursday was no exception. Slippery road conditions due to precipitation and temperatures around zero led to a string of wild game accidents in northern Sweden.
Between 16.25 and 17.30 on Thursday, the police received reports of eight wild game accidents and one reindeer run-in. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in any of the accidents.
In one incident, a bus collided with a moose on county road 801 south of Hillsand, Strömsund. Additionally, two separate road users collided with the same moose, resulting in the animal’s death and its carcass lying on the E14 at Mattmar, Åre. Other collisions included motorist collisions with a deer on county road 677 in Krokom, a moose calf on national road 87 north of Ösjön, Östersund, and a deer on county road 580 near Oviken, Berg. A truck also hit a deer on county road 340 just south of Nordannälden, Krokom. Another motorist collided with a reindeer on E45 south of Svenstavik, Mountain, and another with deer on E45 at Hammerdal, Strömsund. An injured deer was also discovered on Önevägen, Östersund, with the details of the collision remaining unclear.
The police urge all road users to remember that in the event of a game accident, they must call 112 and file a police report. This not only allows for the proper care of any injured animals but also helps to ensure the safety of all road users.
As the high season for wildlife accidents continues, it is essential for drivers to exercise extra caution and remain vigilant while on the roads.