Spatial and temporal correlates to Norwegian train - moose collisions

Summary

We have analyzed how temporal variation (i.e., climatic factors and moose (Alces alces) population density) and spatial variations (i.e.,land scape pattern and food availabi lity)correlate with moose -train collisions along the railway running through the Østerdalen valley in SE Norway. At a total of 1.177 train kills were registered from July 1985 toMarch 1997. The number of collisions increased withincreasing snow depth and colder ambient teumperature, and were located with the outlets of side valleys. The duration of a col lisionperiode lasting from when the snow depth exceeded 30 cm until the temperature stabilized above 0 C explained 82 % of the yearly variation in moose - train collisions. Changes in the food availability, due to logging,increased the number of moose collisionsconsiderably in local areas.We conclude that seasonal migrations are the main cause of moose - train collisions in Østerdalen.