BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says a train in eastern Idaho hit 64 pronghorn north of Hamer, Idaho. That is north of Idaho Falls.
Officials say 45 were killed and 19 severely injured and had to be dispatched.
There were no reports of human injuries.
“We have had these sad situations happen before during big snow events,” says Curtis Hendricks Wildlife Manager for the region. “These pronghorn are unable to cross the freeway fence as they migrate west and unfortunately they ended up on the tracks where the snow isn’t as deep.”
Animals unwilling to cross Interstate 15 in the area often congregate on the plowed railroad tracks that are in close proximity and parallel the freeway.
Conservation officers and other staff responded to the scene to salvage any edible meat and dispatch the injured animals.
Any edible meat will be distributed to needy families and food banks throughout the region.
