On the evening of April 16, a traffic accident occurred near the Lviv exit towards the village of Riasne-Ruske. A moose unexpectedly ran onto the road and was hit by a car. Unfortunately, the animal died at the scene, but the driver and passengers were unharmed.
According to Halyna Mykitchak, head of the Department of Ecology and Natural Resources at Lviv City Council, the moose likely lived in the nearby Bilohorshcha Peatland Nature Reserve. This protected area spans 92 hectares within Lviv’s Zaliznychnyi district and includes the neighborhoods of Bilohorshcha, Levandivka, and Riasne.
The Bilohorshcha peatland is a unique natural habitat home to rare species of flora and fauna, including the European moose, which is listed in Ukraine’s Red Book. Residents have reported seeing moose within the area multiple times. Over recent years, thanks to the efforts of city officials and legal teams, the nature reserve status has been preserved, and its environment is actively recovering.
In response to the incident, the city plans to install wildlife warning signs (1.36 “Wild Animals”) along the road that borders the reserve. This is aimed at encouraging drivers to be more cautious and reduce speed. Scientists who study local wildlife will be involved in determining the best locations for these signs.
“In wartime conditions, installing signs is the most immediate safety measure we can implement. Ideally, we’d build protective fencing or animal underpasses, but that’s not financially or technically feasible now,” said Mykitchak.
It’s worth noting that in 2024, Lviv’s ecology department won a €4 million EU grant through the Restore4Life program. In 2025, several environmental initiatives will begin, including:
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Comprehensive ecological assessments of the reserve
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Restoration of the area’s hydrological balance
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Installation of wooden walking paths
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Construction of a birdwatching tower