Huge holes cut in fence result in several vehicle collisions with deer

Six deer fatalities have been reported since holes were cut in a $2.5 million fence designed for wildlife protection. Location and date not specified | Photo courtesy Utah Department of Natural Resources, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — A $2.5 million deer fencing and underpass project designed to protect wildlife and traffic east of Kanab on U.S. Route 89 was undermined when six holes in the fencing were cut big enough to allow vehicles to drive through.

The holes allowed at least 15 deer to find their way onto the highway leading to six collisions that resulted in deer fatalities and damage to vehicles, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

Last year was the first that no deer collisions were reported in that area since the project was completed, according to a statement on the DNR website.

“While the reason the individuals cut the fence is unknown, we do know the area is a popular shed antler hunting location,” the statement reads. “Whatever the reason, this selfish act damaged expensive infrastructure, hurt the deer population for which the infrastructure was created and could have been the direct cause of an accident resulting in injury or death.”

If you have any information about the fence cutting – or any other illegal activity – contact Lt. Paul Washburn at 435-979-5920, or the Kane County Sheriff’s Office at 435-644-2349.

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Twitter: @STGnews

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8 Comments

  • Steve June 6, 2018 at 7:04 am

    Send Noel and Lyman out to repair the damage.

    • Real Life June 6, 2018 at 11:03 am

      Agree. But they are too busy blaming everyone else. And why Lyman is not locked up, is beyond me.

      • mesaman June 6, 2018 at 8:59 pm

        Hmmm. Seems to have struck you snowflake nerve.

        • Real Life June 7, 2018 at 10:15 am

          Sure has struck a nerve. But unlike a lot of kool aid drinking fools here, you have to first have a nerve, for one to be struck.

  • Billy Madison June 6, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    Where did the deer get the wire cutters in the first place?

  • Striker4 June 7, 2018 at 12:09 am

    Its always a pleasure to see.. Has No Life come in with another one of his moronic and useless comments

  • mmsandie June 7, 2018 at 8:15 am

    Maybe illegalsor transients living outside , and on welfare don,t pay taxes to f7nd the 2.5 million dollar fence.. it’s sad

    • comments June 7, 2018 at 10:54 am

      huh??? you think ‘outdoor bums’ are cutting up the fences? It’s idiot local rednecks who want to drive their ATVs in there– possibly for antler hunting or poaching.

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