Large predators reduce car accidents by keeping deer off roads
We already know wolves can make roads safer, and now it's been shown that the presence of cougars reduces deer collisions by 76 per cent
Large predators, such as cougars, have been found to reduce the number of car accidents involving collisions with deer, according to a study in Washington state. The presence of these large carnivores leads to a 76 percent reduction in such accidents, providing a valuable ecosystem service. Justin Suraci of the non-profit Conservation Science Partners suggests that similar benefits could be seen in other locations.
A 2021 study in Wisconsin found that when wolves returned to a county, vehicle collisions with deer decreased by 24 percent, resulting in economic benefits 63 times greater than the costs of wolves killing livestock. These reductions were attributed to changes in deer behavior and a decline in deer numbers due to predation by wolves.
Researchers in Washington state used camera traps and collared cougars to monitor the presence of both deer and cougars. They discovered that deer avoid road edges and town areas when cougars are around, making them less likely to be hit by vehicles. The researchers believe that large predators create a "landscape of fear," causing deer to move away from fragmented and densely roaded areas where the predators are present.
This reduction in deer activity may contribute to the decrease in accidents. Liana Zanette at Western University in Canada views the findings as "excellent" and "compelling," emphasizing that large carnivores offer societal benefits, often free of charge, while also providing other ecosystem services, such as reducing damage to crops and the spread of diseases.
Written by urgent.news from New Scientist's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
