District of Squamish is reminding drivers to stay alert and obey the speed limit as Roosevelt elk become more active in the community.
Drivers need to be especially alert during dusk, dawn and at night when the elk are most active, particularly in the Squamish Valley.
Elk have been known to cross Highway 99 between the Cleveland Avenue intersection north to the Mamquam River bridge area, district said.
The Roosevelt elk was introduced to Squamish valley in 2006 and in the Mamquam River Watershed in 2011. The largest of the four remaining North American elk subspecies, they play an important role within the forested ecosystem but have fallen prey to vehicles on Highway 99.
Since 2011, five elk have been struck by vehicles, four of which died from their injuries, according to the District of Squamish.
In April 2017, an elk was killed after a motorcycle going southbound on Highway 99 collided with the elk, just south of Industrial way in Squamish.
The motorcyclist suffered injuries and was later airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital.
A few years ago, the district installed two signs on the highway to make motorists aware of elk. One of the signs was installed on the northbound lane near the Cleveland Avenue intersection. Another sign was installed at the southbound lane near the Mamquam River Bridge.
District is also warning people to never pull over or stop to photograph wildlife along the highway as this creates a dangerous situation for both drivers and the wildlife. It also habituates the wildlife to humans.
If you do see elk along the highway, please use hands-free device to call the Conservation Officer Service 24/7 hotline at: 1.877.952.7277.
