“BARKING” TRAINS MINIMISE WILDLIFE COLLISION

In Japan, a cheap and low-tech solution has been successfully used to prevent wildlife collisions at railway tracks. Trains now play sounds that mimic deer snorts and dog barks, preventing wildlife from crossing the tracks.

Deer are attracted to railway lines because of a need for iron in their diets. They lick the rails to pick up iron filings caused by the action of wheels against tracks, it’s been found.

In this creative method, a 3-second blast of the sound of a deer snorting attracts the animals’ attention, and 20 seconds of dog barking is enough to make them take flight.

By using these animal-friendly sounds, train operators managed to reduce deer collisions by 45%, helping to protect both wildlife and passengers.

Before this initiative, the problem of deer congregating on train tracks was hard to control. Despite the best efforts of railways, the animals aren’t deterred by ropes, barriers, flashing lights, or even lion faeces meant to repel them.

This innovative approach reminds us that even the simplest changes can have significant environmental impacts.

(Info from Best Out of Waste, BBC, and Mental Floss)