Union Pacific Railroad urged hunters to resist hunting on railroad property this season in a release Monday.
U.P. reminded hunters wildlife tends migrate and feed along the edges of freshly harvested fields, making these areas prime hunting spots. Adding, there are many fields adjacent to Union Pacific tracks that hunters could find it very tempting to hunt on or near the tracks.
"Too many people have been injured or killed trespassing on railroad property over the years. As part of our UP CARES initiative, we want to remind hunters that walking on or near railroad tracks is extremely dangerous because you never know when a train will come along," said Robert Morrison, Union Pacific Chief of Police.
"It can take a mile or more to stop a train, and, by the time a locomotive engineer sees you on the track, it is too late to stop," said Dale Bray, Union Pacific director – public safety. "Locomotives and rail cars overhang the tracks by at least three feet on either side of the rail. If you are too close to the tracks, you can be hit by the locomotive or a rail car," added Bray.
Last year, 411 people died and 361were injured while trespassing on railroad property throughout the United States according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
People who enter railroad property can be arrested for violating trespassing laws. They could serve jail time and/or have to pay a fine.
