HAMER, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reports that an additional 32 pronghorn have been killed in a second train incident in eastern Idaho.
Fish and Game staff made the discovery on the morning of Feb. 14. They were in the area to search for a pronghorn that was reported to be hung up on a fence.
The incident happened north of Hamer. Five pronghorn had severe injuries and were put down by an officer. Another 27 were killed instantaneously by the collision with the train.
All salvageable meat was donated to needy families.
On Feb. 3, a train collided with 64 pronghorn in the same area, killing 45 on impact and severely injuring another 19 that were dispatched by Fish and Game staff.
“We are committed to continue working with the railroad and others to mitigate the situation and find solutions going forward,” said Fish and Game spokesman James Brower.
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. Fish and Game identifies I-15 as a likely impediment to east-west big game migration between traditional winter and summer ranges.
