{"id":2178157,"date":"2024-10-24T12:00:57","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T10:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/?p=2178157"},"modified":"2024-10-19T09:04:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-19T07:04:26","slug":"overpass-project-to-stop-animals-getting-hit-by-cars-in-yellowstone-moves-a-step-closer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/overpass-project-to-stop-animals-getting-hit-by-cars-in-yellowstone-moves-a-step-closer\/","title":{"rendered":"Overpass project to stop animals getting hit by cars in Yellowstone moves a step closer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two proposed wildlife overpasses in Yellowstone National Park, designed to minimize animal collisions, are moving forward after receiving funding government funding.<\/p>\n

In the works for four years already, the overpasses would provide a safe way for animals to cross over a highway near Yellowstone\u2019s Dome Mountain, an area of frequent animal collisions. Between 2012 and 2021, there were 74 reported instances of wildlife being hit by vehicles and 149 animal carcasses found in the five mile stretch between Livingstone and Gardiner, where the proposed overpasses would be.<\/p>\n

Surrounded by public land and forests, the five mile stretch is a common spot for animal crossings, and with lots of crossings come lots of collisions. In the past decade, elk, deer and even a grizzly bear have been killed, with 50% of all crashes there involving an animal. Supporters hope that the two new overpasses will all but eliminate these accidents.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen successfully implemented, wildlife crossing structures and the fencing that accompanies them can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by more than 90 percent,\u201d conservationist Blakeley Adkins, told Newsweek. \u201cThey keep wildlife alive, their migratory pathways viable, and our families safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Championed by \u2018Yellowstone Safe Passages\u2019, a coalition of non-profit organizations, the overpass project has received state funding for a feasibility study, which will determine whether or not the project can ultimately go ahead.<\/p>\n

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A ‘Green Bridge’ overpass design. The proposed Yellowstone overpasses are yet to reach the design stage. (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If successful, the project will need to secure an estimated additional $35 million in construction funding, which is likely to take place in around a year or so. Despite the lengthy process, the YSP are hopeful that the overpasses will begin construction in the next two years. If all goes smoothly, the new overpass could be completed and in use by 2027.<\/p>\n

\u201cYSP is set up for success,\u201d Adkins said via the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. \u201cProgress is slow but we are ready to clear this next hurdle and keep going until we get to the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n

Animal collisions in Yellowstone have increased in recent years as more and more people visit the ancient park. Last year alone, Yellowstone welcomed 4.5 million visitors, a whopping 36% increase on the previous year.<\/p>\n

This article<\/a> by Will Symons was first published by Advnture on 11 October 2024. Lead Image: (Image credit: Getty).
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