It can be dangerous for animals and humans alike when wildlife cross the road: animal-vehicle collisions accounted for approximately 60% of the reported collisions on rural Alberta highways between 2015 and 2020.
But there’s good news: over the next five years, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors is building wildlife crossings along Highway 3 in southwestern Alberta. These include overpasses and underpasses that animals can use to safely cross the road, along with fencing, retrofitted culverts, and special escape ramps.
We’re part of a team of researchers under Reconnecting the Rockies studying wildlife movement in the area to understand how animals use the crossing structures. The team has installed 80 motion-sensitive cameras in the area and has fitted 20 elk, 9 mule deer, and 8 grizzly bears with satellite collars. Together, this information will help us understand why animals are—and aren’t— using crossing structures.
Check out recent news coverage of the project:
- “Motion-sensitive cameras and satellite collars are helping researchers learn more about how animals move along Highway 3“, CBC Daybreak
- ” ‘A really exciting project’: Wildlife crossings coming to Highway 3“, CTV
- “Helping wildlife cross Highway 3 in southwestern Alberta“, Lethbridge News Now
This project is supported by funding from Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors, Calgary Foundation, Wilburforce Foundation, Woodcock Foundation, and the Minister’s Special Licence Resident Draw Grants.