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SALT LAKE CITY — The elk are back.
Dozens of elk by Salt Lake City's east bench caused traffic delays Wednesday on all roads near the I-215 and I-80 interchange, including the freeways and roads like Foothill Drive, according to the Utah Department of Transportation and state wildlife officials.
UDOT first reported issues shortly after 9 a.m. The agency temporarily closed the two freeways to allow wildlife biologists to herd about 20 to 30 elk that ended up close to the freeway. Both freeways reopened about 30 minutes later.
In a series of tweets Wednesday, Faith Heaton Jolley, the spokeswoman for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, wrote that two elk were struck and killed by vehicles prior to the division's arrival, while two others were injured and were euthanized at the scene. Their meat will be donated to the state's Game Meat Donation Program.
She also noted that the situation hasn't cleared up. As of noon, about 60 to 70 elk remained in the interchange area, according to Jolley. She said most of the elk are by the Salt Lake Country Club golf course, which is close to the freeway.
"Please continue to drive slowly in this area," she tweeted. "Remain alert and watch for elk and other big game migrating through the area. We want drivers and the elk to be safe."
The elk are currently on the north side of I-80 and east of Foothill drive. Please continue to avoid the area while we get the situation under control. pic.twitter.com/R5VDueNinG
— Utah DOT (@UtahDOT) February 1, 2023
Wednesday's shutdown follows a similar case last week in Parley Canyon. The division also tranquilized and relocated a pair of bull elk earlier this year after they continued to wander closer to the heart of Salt Lake City.
Jolley explained that it's not uncommon for wildlife like elk, deer and moose to venture down from the mountains to the valleys in the winter because their typical food sources are buried in snow. It has been more noticeable this winter because the snowpack is well above normal.
The division and other agencies are still trying to figure out the right solution to address the issue, she added.
"We and other agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and work toward solutions for human and wildlife safety," she tweeted. "These elk are very skittish and it has not been feasible to herd them all back up into the mountains."
