Wyoming’s wildlife and highways are both important to the state’s economy and heritage, but they often come into conflict. This does not need to be the case.

When wildlife cross roadways, it can be dangerous for motorists and for the wildlife.

In Wyoming, 15% of all reported vehicle collisions involve big game wildlife. Over 6,000 deer, pronghorn, elk, and moose are hit by vehicles and killed on our roads every year. These collisions are costing nearly $50 million annually for damages to vehicles, human injury expenses and loss of wildlife.

Roads may negatively affect wildlife populations by making it difficult or even impossible for animals to cross and access the habitat they need.

Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) have a long and productive history working together to solve wildlife and roadway conflicts in Wyoming, yet much remains to be accomplished.

Current state and federal funding has not kept pace with Wyoming’s roadways and wildlife priorities. While WYDOT does consider opportunities to integrate mitigation into roadway construction and maintenance, additional funding is needed to implement effective higher cost measures.