For drivers in forested areas, deer on the road can be unpredictable and dangerous. Wildlife warning signs and speed restrictions are common reminders of this risk, but new research suggests that nature itself may play a role in reducing these collisions. Mountain lions, also called pumas or cougars, are often discussed for their impact on wildlife and for concerns about human encounters. But a study suggests they may have another indirect effect. By changing how deer move through their surroundings, mountain lions may reduce the chances of deer entering areas where vehicles and wildlife often collide.
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