iN PHOTOS: Thousands of animals using B.C. wildlife crossings

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is reporting thousands of animals are using wildlife crossings near Kelowna.

The ministry's Wildlife Monitoring Program tallies and photographs animals using wildlife crossings across the province.

Recently, the program announced the 11 wildlife crossing locations along the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C) between Aspen Grove and Kelowna, saw mule deer using them 3,700 times between January to October of 2019, according to a ministry media release.

A ministry video shows that mule deer become more active after the snow melts.

“Watching those numbers climb really impresses me,” says Dr. Leonard Sielecki, manager of our wildlife program, in the province’s announcement.

“And this is only showing mule deer – not other types of deer, or other species of wildlife. It means the potential for 3,700 collisions with vehicles was eliminated. These mule deer were not hurt, killed or orphaned – they crossed the highway safely thanks to the crossings made for them.”

He said this is only the beginning for the wildlife program. Most likely moose will be counted next.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.