Wyoming Big Game Migration Is Stopped By I 80 And It’s A Problem

Every year Elk, Mule Deer and Antelope migrate to find desirable habitat, but because of Interstate 80 in the southern part of the state, they are stopped. Studies have been done since the 1970's to monitor and try to figure out the best solution to allow Wyoming's big game to be able to roam further North or South.

It wasn't until advances in technology offered more accurate information of how big of a problem the barrier was to the health, safety and longevity of the game.

In early 2020 a web based film called 400 Miles to cross: The Interstate 80 Wildlife Barrier premiered. The film shows what is still an issue in southern Wyoming and that's the migration of the big game to find the food sources they need and avoid undesirable weather.

The Migration Initiative is described on their website as:

Advancing the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Wyoming's migratory ungulates by conducting innovative research and sharing scientific information through public outreach.

On the site there is information, graphs and tools to help understand the importance of trying to find a solution to the migration issues.

Over the years smaller projects by Wyoming Game and Fish and WYDOT have been underway to help alleviate the migration issues by fixing fences and underpasses to help encourage the animals to be allowed to safely get across the interstate.

To find out more about the issues and learn what the fixes can be made and how you can help check out the information at MigrationInitiative.org. Check out the 12 minute film here.