Department of
Administration
Deer Management
2000 Executive Report on Deer Management
Strieter-Lites
Intro | Communication Program | Controlled Archery Hunt | Deer Birth Control
Deer Population Survey | Deer/Vehicle Collisions | Fence Enclosure
Motion of Board of Commissioners | Signs | Wildlife Biologist | Conclusion
Strieter-Lite is a wild animal highway-warning reflector used to reduce nighttime deer-vehicle collisions. Reflectors are mounted on posts at headlight height along each side of the highway. According to the manufacturer, when headlights hit the reflectors, the light emits an unnatural and apparently moving light pattern which deters deer from crossing during nighttime hours (when the majority of accidents occur). These lights are only active when vehicles are present; the system is designed to let deer cross at other times thus not disturbing their natural habitats. According to the company the reflector system results in a 60-90% reduction of nighttime deer/vehicle collisions.
As part of the deer management plan, a test installation of Strieter Lites occurred. The area of installation was determined by actual vehicular deer hits. The reflectors were approved by PennDOT with an agreement to share in half the cost of the initial installation. The Township was to install the system and continue its maintenance and upkeep once in place. In May of 1999 the Department of Public Works installed .9 miles of reflectors on Rt. 19 from the Washington /Allegheny County line to the Mini-Mart/Chapelwood Drive.
The following table is based upon Police Department records of Deer/Vehicle collisions in the test area between 1998-2000.
| Time Period | # of Deer Hit 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (off Peak/Daytime) |
# of Deer Hit 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. (Peak/Nighttime) |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Strieter-Lite May 18, 1998 - May 17, 1999 |
5 | 14 | 19 |
| Strieter-Lites Installed May 18, 1999 - May 17, 2000 |
4 | 23 | 26 |
Based upon deer/vehicle collision data since the installation of Strieter-Lites, it was determined that the Strieter-Lites were ineffective in reducing deer incidents. Consequently, in August 2003 the Strieter-Lites were removed.
In general conversation with wildlife biologist, Susan Bernatas, she speculated that the ungulates (deer) have likely adapted to the considerable light sources that exist in Upper St. Clair. Therefore the Township's deer population is not nearly as sensitized to the Strieter-Lites as those populations located in more rural areas.
Township of Upper St. Clair · 1820 McLaughlin Run Road · Upper St.Clair, Pennsylvania 15241
Department of Administration · Phone: 412.831.9000 Ext. 219 · Fax: 412.831.9882
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