YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – A comprehensive new traffic study near Yellowstone National Park recommends wildlife crossings, wildlife fences, culvert and underpasses, to help animals cross a busy highway.
There are about 160 wildlife/vehicle collisions each year on US 89 between Livingston and Gardiner, two Montana towns just north of Yellowstone. Half of all accidents on that stretch of highway are wildlife related, which is 10 times the national average, according to the study.
There are safety concerns for both drivers and the animals that travel to find food, search for mates, or migrate. The wildlife includes bears, elk, pronghorn, bison, mountain lions, fox, skunks and more.
This study was based on 10 years of data and on-the-ground research. One worker would patrol the highway weekly for dead animals.
“It’s been a real struggle seeing the sheer number of dead wildlife along the highway, especially the rare species or newborn animals just trying to figure out their place in the world. Those I’ll never forget,” said field technician Michelle Zizian. “Hopefully the data we’ve collected will lead to fewer accidents and better long-term solutions for wildlife in the valley.”
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