Nēnē nesting season has arrived in Hawai'i; Haleakalā National Park motorists urged to watch for the birds/NPS file

With nesting season having arrived for nēnē, staff at Haleakalā National Park in Hawai'i are asking motorists to watch out for the threatened geese.

There are about 3,500 of the birds in Hawai'i, and 280 or so live in the national park. Winter creates additional driving hazards on the park's narrow, winding roads during a season that sees increased wildlife activity near roadways.

Park biologists report that an adult nēnē from a known breeding pair was hit and killed on the park road late during this past New Year’s Eve. Wind, rain, and poor visibility likely contributed to the event. The park is asking for the public's help to prevent future nēnē fatalities.

• You're asked to please follow speed limits and drive cautiously, especially near the summit park entrance and Headquarters Visitor Center.

• Watch out for nēnē and other wildlife, and safely stop your vehicle when wildlife is spotted on or near roadways.

• Turn your hazard lights on to safely warn other cars to stop.

• Allow nēnē to move off the road before continuing to drive. 

• Inspect the area around your vehicle for birds after parking in the park.

The nēnē is Hawaiʻi’s state bird. The species is protected by federal and state laws. Although recently downlisted by the federal government to threatened status, nēnē are still listed as an endangered species by the state of Hawaiʻi. There are approximately 3,500 nēnē statewide; fewer than 500 are found on the island of Maui.