When driving at night, it can be nearly impossible to spot a wild animal on the road until it’s too late. In Finland, a recent study estimated that more than 4,000 reindeer die each year from car accidents.
Credit: Reindeer Herder’s Association
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In addition to being particularly sad for animals that do not cope, this phenomenon is also costly. Indeed, the damage caused by its accidents is approximately 15 million euros per year. This situation has prompted groups such as the Finnish Reindeer Herders Association to do their utmost to try to limit deaths and costs through various solutions. A simple, but very ingenious idea was to spray reindeer antlers with reflective paint so that they glow when the light from the headlights hits them.
Initially, in 2014, the Reindeer Herders Association applied the paint to different parts of the mammal, giving the animal, when lit, the appearance of a bicycle vest. In doing so, the organization hoped to make the deer more visible to cars. The motorist would thus have time to slow down and the animal time to flee before a serious or even fatal accident occurs. Obviously, everything has been checked so that the spray is environmentally friendly and has no impact on the reindeer.
Credit: Anne Ollila
Reflective paint for reindeer, a growing solution
“The paint is tested on the fur at the moment, but it could be even more effective on the woods, as they are seen from all sides” then explained Anne Ollila, president of the Association of reindeer breeders. Photos of the reindeer showed the antlers as well as parts of the animal’s back glowing in the dark. While this is a great idea in theory, those responsible for implementing it have found it to be less effective in practice, but they’re not giving up. “Painting the woods has generated a lot of interest around the world and has been the best campaign so far. There are some sustainability issues, but product development is encouraging and continuing ” Anne Ollila added.
That being said, for humans, reflective paint, still being tested in Finland, is just one way to keep animals safe. In many parts of the world, wildlife crossings are also being built, that is, bridges or tunnels that allow animals to cross busy roads into their habitat without the slightest risk of collision.
Credit: Reindeer Herder’s Association
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