The state highway system is an impediment to big game migratory, seasonal, and daily movement and reduces wildlife fitness by decreasing habitat quality and availability and disrupting natural movements. Attempts by big game species such as elk (Cervus canadensis), to cross highways result in wildlife-vehicle collisions that affect human and wildlife safety and damage property. Researchers at Cal Poly Humboldt are working with Caltrans and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to install an Electronic Detection System on US-101 in Humboldt County, CA, and perform a study to determine system efficacy and applicability throughout the state. The system is designed to detect collared elk and activate unique warning signs to increase driver awareness when elk are on or near the roadway. A network of ~30 VHF transceivers have been placed along the highway to trigger lighted warning signs placed before and throughout the identified high-crossing area. These signs alert drivers to the presence of collared elk when they are detected within ~50 m of the roadway. If successful, this system will promote elk movement between fragmented habitats, habitat permeability, and survivorship, while decreasing risks to motorists for costs significantly less than building above-highway crossing structures.

Micaela Gunther is a faculty member in the Department of Wildlife at Cal Poly Humboldt. Her research focuses on the behavioral ecology, management, and conservation of mammals. She collaborates with state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations to understand the behavior of target species to better manage their populations. She and her students have worked on elk, mountain lions, black bears, wolves, fishers, martens, river otters, and African wild dogs, among other species. She enjoys training and mentoring the next generation of wildlife biologists. When not in the field, she enjoys hiking the north coast with her family and dogs.