Antelope traveling on tracks struck by train

On February 22 or 23, 17 antelope traveling on railroad tracks were struck by a train near Moon Creek, west of Miles City. Most of the antelope were killed on impact, but six animals were still alive and had to be dispatched by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

“On years where we get lots of snow, antelope sometimes start using the railroad tracks as travel routes,” said FWP Region 7 Warden Captain Jack Austin. “Once on the tracks, they can’t get off because the snow is so deep on the sides.”

Austin went to inspect the scene Friday evening, and the snow was deep enough that he was sinking up to...