Pronghorns killed by train in SE Idaho

About 45 pronghorn were reported killed Monday in southeast Idaho when they were struck by a train north of Hamer.

Another 19 pronghorns were severely injured, according to Idaho Fish and Game. No people were injured in the crash that was reported by railroad employees.

State conservation officers responded to the scene, which is North of Idaho Falls along U.S. 15, to salvage edible meat and dispatch injured animals, according to Fish and Game. Edible meat will be distributed to food banks throughout the region, Fish and Game said.

Officials said that a winter storm stacked up snow, and the pronghorns sought refuge in the railroad bed, where the snow isn’t deep.

— Ralph Bartholdt