Over 1,100 deer killed on Overijssel roads, new crossings needed

Photo: DutchNews.nl
Photo: DutchNews.nl

The province of Overijssel is to build up a number of new wildlife bridges and tunnels in an effort to reduce the number of deer, otters and badgers killed in traffic accidents, local broadcaster RTV Oost reported.

In total, 1,144 deer were killed in the province last year, plus an unknown number of smaller mammals. Initially officials identified 10 locations where new wildlife crossings are needed but this has now been updated to 17, including provincial roads near Giethoorn, Dedemsvaart and Wierden.

Some of the crossings will take the form of tunnels for otters and badgers and some roads will also be fenced off in places to discourage deer. The province has set aside €3.5 million to pay for the measures.

According to official figures, some 8,000 deer and wild boar are killed on Dutch roads every year but not all provinces keep an official record. In 2021, over 160 otters were also killed by cars.

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