Of moose and men: Removal of roadside salt pools can protect salt-toothed moose from crossing roads
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 11:30
in Health & Medicine
Country roadways can be hazardous for moose and men. According to estimates, millions of vehicles collide with moose, elk and caribou each year. Moose, in particular, venture to roadsides to lick the salt pools after pavement deicing. Because moose are the largest animal in the deer family, with males weighing up to 720 kilograms, their salt cravings pose significant risks to human and vehicle safety. That's why a group of Canadian researchers has investigated ways to encourage moose off roads.