Montana’s busy highways intersect with wildlife.Solutions to reduce car-animal collisions are already proving effective
Montana, a state known for its landscape and wildlife, faces a difficult problem with vehicle-animal collisions. A recent report from State Farm found that Montana ranked second among states where drivers are most likely to hit animals, followed by West Virginia. This is an issue many states across the country face, but Montana is actively working to improve traveler safety and protect wildlife.
Several areas of Montana are at the center of debates over wildlife crossings and wildlife-vehicle collisions. The US Department of Transportation recently allocated $350 million in funding to address the problem of wildlife-vehicle collisions. This measure is part of a national effort to reduce the risks associated with these incidents.
Kylie Paul, a road ecologist with the Large Landscape Conservation Center, said both the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Confederation of Salish Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) have applied for projects to address wildlife-vehicle collisions. It was revealed that They are awaiting feedback on the application, expected in early 2024.
CSKT focuses on the area around U.S. 93 Post Creek near Nine Pipes Wildlife Refuge. Paul said there have been numerous incidents of grizzly bears being hit by cars over the years in the area.
Robin Iron, 33, a frequent commuter on Highway 93, called it the “toughest” road in Montana. Iron, who travels the 130-mile route from St. Ignatius to attend classes at the University of Montana two or three times a week, recalled at least three close encounters with deer.
“Every day someone has a collision with an animal or a deer on this road. You see a deer get messed up, you see deer strewn across the road, you flip a car over, you see a car wreck because of a deer. “I witnessed it happen,” Iron said. “That’s scary. I know someone who hit a deer and lost his life.”
The State Farm report estimates that there were more than 1.8 million animal collision insurance claims in the United States from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
As highlighted by Yellowstone Safe Navigation Coordinator Daniel Anderson, another area of Montana that has been significantly affected is Paradise Valley. In Paradise Valley, in 10 years he recorded 1,700 animal carcasses. This number represents only reported animal deaths. Some estimate that the actual number is five times his documented number. Over that 10-year period, 270 elk and six grizzly bears were killed on Highway 89, Anderson said.
Mr Anderson said the direct costs of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Paradise Valley exceeded $32 million over 11 years. “This is a serious concern considering we spend at least $3 million a year on 55 miles of highway. These costs add up when you factor in other highways that cross Montana,” Anderson said. said.
“Highway 93 in Montana has numerous intersections and one overpass that has proven to be very effective,” Anderson said. “Evaro’s Animal Bridge is particularly noteworthy.”
There are 41 crossing structures between Evalo and Polson.
According to the report, Wildlife Crossings Key to Banff Highway Safety, these structures, along with fencing to prevent animals from running onto the road, reduce animal-vehicle collisions in the area. It decreased by more than 80% and decreased by more than 96%. Just for elk and deer.
“CSKT is to be commended for showing such leadership and leveraging its strength as a sovereign nation to guide fundraising in this regard,” Anderson said. “The Highway 93 bridge has been seen by people all over the world and sparked conversations elsewhere. It’s been a success, but it’s always a learning process and we hope to learn more as the years go on. and things can always be done differently.”
Montana’s efforts to address vehicle-wildlife collisions reflect a national problem that requires comprehensive attention. His $350 million allocation by the U.S. Department of Transportation is a promising step in the right direction. Home to landscapes and wildlife, Montana strives to protect both its people and the natural world it cherishes. Next year will reveal which projects will receive funding and what new measures will be taken to protect the state’s visitors and wildlife.