ISP: Avoid causing traffic hazards when eagle watching

As salmon spawn in Lake Coeur d’Alene and bald eagles return to feed upon them, eagle-eyeing spectators return with a danger of spawning traffic hazards on Highway 97. During eagle season, the highway is at greater risk for vehicular accidents because of increased motorist and pedestrian traffic.

In a release, Idaho State Police cautioned eagle watchers to mind the limitations of Highway 97, a narrow two-lane roadway with no parking along its shoulders. Parking is prohibited from mileposts 90 to 96, and anyone who stops along the highway is susceptible to citations for blocking traffic and causing hazards.

ISP instead recommends spectators use the designated parking areas on Highway 97 or park at locations along Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive or Higgens Point while viewing the eagles.