Animals, including reindeer, often become victims of road accidents, especially at night. These accidents result in significant financial losses and have a devastating impact on wildlife. In Finland alone, it is estimated that over 4,000 reindeer die every year due to road accidents, costing over $18 million in damages. To address this issue, many wildlife conservatory groups have been experimenting with different solutions.
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The Reindeer Herder’s Association initiated a project in 2014 to find a viable solution to reduce road accidents involving reindeer. The project involved testing reflective accessories, similar to those worn by cyclists, but practical issues hindered their effectiveness.However, there are still issues with the paint rubbing off and becoming dirty, but conservationists are continuously working to find better remedies.
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Recently, the association found a more promising solution – reflective paint sprayed on the antlers of the reindeer. Unlike vests, the paint stays on the antlers longer and is more visible to light sources, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. This method has been successful in saving the lives of many reindeer.Despite the limitations, reflective paint has proven to be the most successful measure in reducing road accidents involving reindeer.
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In conclusion, the use of reflective paint on the antlers of reindeer has been a significant step towards protecting these animals from road accidents. While improvements are still being made, this method shows promising results and offers hope for the future of wildlife conservation. For more information on this project, visit the Reindeer Herder’s Association website. Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
More info & Photo courtesy:Reindeer Herder’s Association