The 2021 infrastructure bill allocated $350 million for highway wildlife overpasses to reduce the number of human and animal deaths caused by car crashes. These wildlife crossings are crucial for helping endangered species like grizzly bears. Road ecologists like Kylie Paul emphasize the importance of these structures in allowing animals to move freely and safely across busy roads.
Grizzly bears have been on the endangered species list since 1975, and one of the key factors in their recovery is ensuring that isolated populations can reconnect and interbreed. This requires creating pathways for grizzlies to travel across various roads, like the ones in Northern Montana leading to Yellowstone National Park. Whisper Camel-Means from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes highlights the need for grizzlies to disperse naturally and move between different habitats.
The bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021 provides funding for wildlife crossing structures nationwide, with a particular focus on areas where wildlife populations are at risk. While most of the funded projects are in Western states, efforts are being made to include projects in other regions of the country as well. Road ecologists stress that these crossings are not only essential for larger animals like grizzlies but also for smaller species that face challenges in their seasonal migrations.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications for the second round of funding for wildlife crossing structures, with the final round of funding set to be awarded in 2026. There are calls for this funding to be made permanent to address ongoing challenges related to human-wildlife interactions on roads.
In Montana, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are working on plans for a new wildlife overpass on Highway 93 to help protect grizzly bears in the region. The partnership between the tribes and the state aims to start construction on the overpass next year, with the goal of creating a safer passage for these iconic animals.
Overall, the efforts to build wildlife overpasses serve as a crucial step in bridging the gap between human infrastructure and the natural habitats of wildlife. By creating safe pathways for animals to cross roads, we can help protect endangered species like grizzly bears and reduce the number of car crashes involving wildlife, benefiting both humans and animals alike.
