BIG PINEY, Wyo. — On Tuesday, March 12 at 9 a.m., the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) shared photos from the underpass cameras (between La Barge and Big Piney) documenting wildlife successfully navigating the Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing.
Located approximately 19 miles between La Barge and Big Piney, the Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing is in an established migratory corridor for mule deer and pronghorn. The project includes nine underpasses and 17 miles of 8-foot tall fencing on both sides of U.S. Highway 189.
From mid-December to early March, WYDOT’s wildlife biologist downloaded photos documenting use of all nine structures — cameras indicate between 200 and 1,200 photo triggers depending on location.
The photos capture that even moose and porcupines are taking advantage of the underpass crossings.
“After four years of work, designing and building, plus the 10 years of work to get the money to start designing and building, there’s a huge sense of pride to see animals safely moving under the road,” WYDOT shared via Facebook post. “A final report on use will be issued after three years of study, but in the meantime we’re happy to share these pictures.”
The 19-mile stretch has had some of the highest rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Wyoming. This section of highway is labeled a “hotspot”, according to WYDOT vehicle collision reports, carcass counts and information compiled during the WYDOT and WGFD Wildlife and Roadways Summit. WYDOT numbers show that from 2018 to 2020, an average of 68 animal carcasses were picked up by maintenance crews.
Wyoming has identified 240 projects statewide to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. A map depicting high-collision sections of roads across Wyoming can be found on the Game and Fish website.
