Mount Rainier signs to acknowledge fallen animals

Paw-print signs will go up in Mount Rainier National Park this weekend to recognize the animals that have been hit in the park by vehicles since 2007.

In the past two years, 225 animals have been reported hit by vehicles, according to Alyssa Herr, who works with human- and animal-conflict management in the park. She thinks that's just a fraction of the animals struck.

The majority of the animals hit are squirrels (88) and chipmunks (59),

"Most are picked up by ravens within minutes," she said. "There's no way to know how many are struck."

Three bears were hit last year and two were killed. Herr said seven deer have been struck by cars and even a spotted owl was struck and killed.

The park will erect 225 signs on the 95 miles of roadway in the park, commemorating all the animals struck. The purpose, said Herr, is to raise awareness of two issues: speeding and feeding.

She said feeding animals attracts them to roads and parking lots where they beg for human food, increasing the risk that they will be struck by cars.

"People come from a different culture and don't understand the risk factor feeding wildlife. Both people and animals are at risk," said Herr.

The signs will be up this weekend only, she said.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com