Animals have lost track: 934 animals were (almost) hit by a car last year | Inland

This is apparent from figures collected by rail manager ProRail at the request of De Telegraaf. “However, we are not dissatisfied with the recent numbers, because the number of animal incidents has decreased by about ten percent in a few years,” said spokesman Andy Wiemer. “In 2017, for example, there were 1035 animals, while in the following years there were 1024 and 982 respectively.”

“It remains very sad for the animals. But we are pleased that the decline has now started by taking targeted measures and intensive cooperation with the surrounding area, such as placing fencing in strategic places and holding talks with farmers about their fencing around the meadows. We also build ecoducts or special animal routes under the railway, for example,” says Wiemer.

Farmers

The number of collisions with sheep, goats and cattle in particular decreased sharply compared to 2018: 171 then against 69 in 2020. This is mainly because ProRail maintains good contact with farmers to ensure that they keep the fencing of their pasture in order.

“Of course it is not possible to prevent collisions with birds with fencing. This is still a big challenge,” said Wiemer.

“We also have to deal with storks that build a nest on the overhead wires of the railway. Unfortunately, the high voltage on the overhead line is dangerous for them. And if the catenary is damaged, the train cannot run. Reasons to keep these breeding grounds away from the railway. That is sensitive, because the nests have a protected status, just like their inhabitants.”

In recent years, nesting posts have been placed near rail portals. Unfortunately, the birds didn’t always ‘understand’ that hint.

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