Roadkill is a sad reality of travelling along Montana highways. Interstates are particularly dangerous for wild critters. Some Big Sky critters are as big as a car and can cause serious damage or worse. Just try to drive a mile on any Montana interstate and not see several roadkill’s.
A moose can weigh over 1,000 lbs., elk 800, bears 600 or more, deer and antelope can weigh from 100-300 plus pounds. When a vehicle traveling at high speed collides with a hefty critter, it’s not a pretty sight. Bumpers and fenders are crushed, glass is broken, airbags explode, and injury results. It’s the end of the road for most critters.
Over 17,000 big game critters are killed on Montana roadways annually. This doesn’t count the birds, small mammals, snakes, and other critters that try to cross our roadways. Many critters never get to the other side. Some are collected and placed in landfills or mulch factories. Citizens can legally tag critters that are not too wrecked up. You need to request a roadkill tag from the MTFWP.
One way to prevent critter collisions is to make save crossing bridges or tunnels. Over 150 of these man-made structures have been made across our state. A Noah’s Arc of critters has figured out how to use these safe lanes to get across our roads. In some areas 43%-83% reductions in roadkill have been recorded. More of these structures are planned.
Drivers can also help prevent accidents. Be alert when driving. Avoid cell phone use and focus on the road. Many of these critters can be seen before they are a risk. Slow down and anticipate the worst. Low light conditions are prime times for accidents. Slow down.
Mating seasons are also a time when Bucks and Bulls run wild. They become so intent on mating that they fail to be safe around roads.
I have placed deer whistles on my truck. They say that they don’t work but I swear by them. Having lived in high critter areas for decades, I have yet to have a close call or impact with a deer or other big game critter. You need to be moving over 15 mph to have the whistles work, but normal, when I see roadway critters, they are stopped and looking at me from the roadway. Say what you will, but these inexpensive whistles seem to have helped me and others that I have attached whistles to their rides.
If you see one critter, anticipate more. Deer and lopes are herd critters. They can easily jump roadside fences and be in front of your ride in moments. Wild birds also travel in flocks. Turkeys, pheasants, Huns, and other birds can be in your path. Any impact will surprise you and could cause you to lose control of your ride. Slow down and drive defensively. You may just save a critter and your own life.
Save your car, life, and some critters too!
Montana Grant
