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Give wildlife a brake in Big Sky Country
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Derek Lennon EBS Contributor
In Big Sky, we share our backyard with an abundance of wildlife. From elk, moose and bighorn sheep, to grizzly bears, coyotes and birds of prey, wild animals are spotted in and around our mountain town all of the time.
These animals are lucky that their habitat is relatively road free, but when individuals are traveling from point A to point B, sometimes they have to cross a road. When you drive around Big Sky long enough, you’re bound to see a wide variety of animals that wander into the road.
Defensive driving is a must when you’re traveling in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—or anywhere else for that matter. Wildlife collisions are possible all year long and while some accidents are unavoidable, it’s your job to drive defensively and avoid hitting animals. A collision can be incredibly dangerous to both the animals and occupants in the car.
Here are a handful of eye-opening stats about wildlife collisions in the U.S. from dmv.org:
– A collision with some form of wildlife occurs, on average, every 39 minutes.
– One out of every 17 vehicle collisions involves wandering wildlife.
– 89 percent of all wildlife collisions occur on roads with two lanes.
– 84 percent of all wildlife collisions occur in good weather, on dry roads.
– The average repair cost of a car-deer collision is $2,800.
– Approximately 200 motorists die in the United States each year from car-wildlife collisions.
Whether you’re driving in Gallatin Canyon for an early morning fly-fishing session, cruising up the spur road for a day at Big Sky Resort, or heading south through Yellowstone National Park, you need to be on full animal alert at all times. Slow down and be alert, it can save your life and the animal’s life. Plus, it can prevent costly damage to your vehicle.
Animal-car collisions are scary things that everyone wants to avoid. Here are a few defensive driving tips that can help you avoid hitting wildlife in Big Sky Country:
– Follow the speed limit and read the warning signs.
– Constantly scan the sides of the roads while driving.
– Remember that dusk and dawn are prime time for animals to be active.
– Drive with your bright lights on to help spot animals on the road, but be sure to dim them for oncoming traffic!
– Wear your seatbelt.
– Use extra caution on snowy and/or icy roads.
– Never litter as it can attract animals to the roadway.
If you see an animal:
– Slow down and honk your horn.
– Flash your lights to alert oncoming traffic of the potential hazard.
– Often when you spot one animal, there will be other animals in the vicinity.
A large animal that is injured can be incredibly dangerous. Call 911 and alert the authorities to any injured animals or road kills. If necessary, stay in your car and use flashing lights or flares to alert other drivers of the incident.
Being defensive behind the wheel can save your life and an animal’s life.
Derek Lennon is a skier and writer who lives, works, and plays in the mountains of the world. He is based in Big Sky, Montana, where he lives with his wife Mia and two dogs.
A version of this story was originally published on the Visit Big Sky blog at https://visitbigskymt.com/wildlife-collisions-big-sky/. Read more interesting content about the area on Visit Big Sky’s blog at https://visitbigskymt.com/category/blog/.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
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29mar3:00 pm4:00 pmGood Friday Mass: St. Joseph Catholic Mission3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event City:Big Sky
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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