Analysis of Deer-Vehicle Collision Sites in Pennsylvania

Abstract

Nineteen habitat and highway characteristics thought to influence numbers of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) vehicle collisions along Pennsylvania two-lane highways were tested for inclusion in a model used to predict probabilities of sections of highways being high deer kill sites. Two variables (in-line visibility and non-wooded) increased the probability of a section of highway being a high kill site. Seven variables (residences, commercial buildings, other buildings, shortest visibility, speed limit, distance to woodland, and fencing) decreased this probability. Removal of the variables speed limit and other buildings did not significantly change the model. The model showed strong discrimination between high kill and low kill (control) sections of highway.