Heavy Snow Moving Bison Into Dangerous Alaska Highway Confrontations

Really interesting story by Alaska Public Media about heavy snowfall that is influencing bison to change their habits and endanger both themselves and drivers along the Alaska Highway. Here’s more on the issue:

An Alaska State Trooper spokesperson says the agency hasn’t gotten any reports of bison-related wrecks. But Delta Junction-based state Fish and Game Department wildlife tech Clint Cooper says he’s gotten at least two reports of run-ins between the animals and vehicles, one of which killed a bison.

“They’re having a tough time right now, getting through that ice crust and getting to their normal forage,” he said in an interview last week.

Cooper says the December storms that dumped snow and then rain on top have made it very hard for the animals to move around and forage.

“The bison are sticking to the road more, more so than normal, that’s for sure,” he said. “They’re doing whatever they can to stay out of that snow with that crust on the top.”