I-80: A Deadly Barrier to Wyoming Wildlife – Fresh Research Aims for Solutions

Interstate 80, a major transportation artery across Wyoming, poses a significant threat to the state’s wildlife, particularly mule deer, elk, and pronghorn. A new research project led by the Wyoming Migration Initiative seeks to identify and enhance existing crossing points under the highway, offering a cost-effective approach to mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions.

The Barrier Effect of I-80

For decades, I-80 has fragmented crucial migration routes for Wyoming’s ungulates. The highway, with its fencing and high traffic volume, effectively deters animals from following their natural instincts to reach seasonal habitats. This barrier effect was acutely observed in the 1970s, with significant die-offs of pronghorn unable to escape harsh winters due to the highway’s obstruction .

Focus on Existing Crossings

While previous efforts have focused on expensive solutions like wildlife overpasses, particularly in collision-prone areas like Halleck Ridge, this new initiative prioritizes improving existing “leakage” points – places where animals are already successfully crossing under the interstate. “There’s still some movement across the interstate,” said Matt Kauffman, co-founder of the Wyoming Migration Initiative. “We should be able to identify it, we should be able to enhance it, and we might be able to increase the permeability.”

Cataloging and Mapping Crossings

The project’s first step involves creating a comprehensive handbook detailing the locations of known ungulate crossings under I-80, stretching from Evanston to Elk Mountain. Researchers have already identified one site near mile marker 15 where nearly 1,500 mule deer crossings were detected between 2021 and 2023, suggesting 300-400 individual deer utilize this passage . Many of these crossings are utilizing machinery underpasses originally built for agricultural purposes.

Leveraging Technology for Real-Time Monitoring

The University of Wyoming School of Computing is contributing to the project by deploying a network of trail cameras at key crossing sites. Artificial intelligence will analyze the footage to provide real-time monitoring of animal movements, offering WYDOT and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department a “dashboard” to track crossings and respond to events like storms that might push animals toward the highway .

Collaring and Tracking

To further refine the map of crossing locations, researchers plan to capture and collar approximately 40 pronghorn and 40 mule deer near I-80 next winter. This will allow them to track animal movements and identify previously unknown migration routes.

Cost-Effective Solutions

The project aims to provide WYDOT with prioritized recommendations for relatively low-cost improvements, such as modifying fencing to guide animals toward existing underpasses. “It’s not a $100 million project — it’s a handful of $500,000 projects,” said John Eddins, a district engineer for WYDOT .

The Challenge of Roadkill and Long-Term Connectivity

Accurately estimating the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions on I-80 is tricky due to the high traffic volume and the fact that many incidents go unreported. However, addressing roadkill remains a major goal for Wyoming. Maintaining connectivity between habitats is crucial, especially as Wyoming continues to experience habitat loss. Lee Knox, a Wyoming Game and Fish Department wildlife biologist, emphasized the importance of allowing migratory animals to connect their summer and winter ranges .

The life of mule deer 959 exemplifies the challenges faced by Wyoming’s wildlife. Despite navigating near existing underpasses, the deer was ultimately struck and killed while attempting to cross I-80 .