Road ecology blog: Animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

February 21, 2017  •  Leave a Comment

Road ecology blog: Animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

As drivers approach they are first presented a sign that informs them about the road section ahead that has an animal detection system. They are informed that it is a test.

Sign informing drivers that there is an animal detection systemSign informing drivers that there is an animal detection systemSign informing drivers that there is an animal detection system ahead, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

There are multiple radars installed to measure vehicle speed in the road section.

Speed radar to study the effectiveness  of the animal detectionSpeed radar to study the effectiveness of the animal detectionSpeed radar to study the effectiveness of the animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA Speed radar to study the effectiveness  of the animal detectionSpeed radar to study the effectiveness of the animal detectionSpeed radar to study the effectiveness of the animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

This is what the activated warning sign looks like at dusk in winter.

Activated warning sign associated with an animal detection systeActivated warning sign associated with an animal detection systeActivated warning sign associated with an animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA Activated warning sign associated with an animal detection systeActivated warning sign associated with an animal detection systeActivated warning sign associated with an animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

The next morning more snow had fallen; some of it stuck to the warning sign.

Warning sign associated with an animal detection system, Hwy 95,Warning sign associated with an animal detection system, Hwy 95,Warning sign associated with an animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA Warning sign associated with an animal detection system, Hwy 95,Warning sign associated with an animal detection system, Hwy 95,Warning sign associated with an animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

Driving conditions were poor. The road surface was snow packed and icy.

Snow packed and icy road surface at the site with the animal detSnow packed and icy road surface at the site with the animal detSnow packed and icy road surface at the site with the animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA Snow packed and icy road surface at the site with the animal detSnow packed and icy road surface at the site with the animal detSnow packed and icy road surface at the site with the animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

The detection system is connected to the electric grid. Here is the power drop.

The animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho,The animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho,The animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

The system uses a Doppler radar to detect large mammals. It is installed on the post. There are also cameras (thermal infrared camera, day time camera) and cell phone signal booster antennas installed on the pole. The trailer hosts additional equipment, including a generator in case there is no power available.

The animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho,The animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho,The animal detection system, Hwy 95, near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA

Click here for other images of animal detection systems.

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