Union Pacific Railroad has asked hunters to resist hunting on railroad property this season.
Wildlife will migrate and feed along the edges of freshly harvested fields, making these areas prime hunting spots. “With many fields adjacent to Union Pacific tracks, hunters find it very tempting to hunt on or near the tracks,” the railroad said.
“It can take a mile or more to stop a train, and, by the time a locomotive engineer sees you on the track, it is too late to stop,” said Dale Bray, Union Pacific director of public safety.
“Locomotives and railcars overhang the tracks by at least three feet on either side of the rail,” Bray added “If you are too close to the tracks, you can be hit by the locomotive or a railcar.”
Hunters are not the only ones drawn to railroad tracks – hikers, bikers, fishermen and snowmobilers are as well.
Last year, 411 people died and 361were injured while trespassing on railroad property throughout the United States, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
“People who enter railroad property can be arrested for violating trespassing laws. They could serve jail time and/or have to pay a fine,” UP warned.
Watch your step
