Bozeman Pass Project

In Alan Kesselheim’s article, “Safe Passage” in Montana Quarterly, he talks about Bozeman Pass and how it is disrupting the wildlife in the area it runs through. Bozeman Pass runs the 25 miles between Bozeman and Livingston through the Rocky Mountains. Since the pass is up in the mountains, it travels through the heart of many animals’ habitats. This has led to much roadkill of bears, deer, and mountain lions; almost 4,000 animals have been killed on the pass since 2000. Kesselheim discusses The Bozeman Pass Project is building culverts that tunnel under the interstate. The construction of these culverts has lowered the roadkill by almost 90 percent in some areas. Not only does the wildlife use the culverts but also fishermen and cowboys. When talking about the Craighead Environmental Research Institute, who runs the project, Kesselheim states, “Craighead and his staff concentrate on blending human and habitat needs” (43).

I agree with Kesselheim and his article. Many of the roads through the mountains were built before the wildlife impact was considered. Interstates like the Bozeman Pass have roadkill on them almost every day, but projects such as this can help change that. Many roads have even more animals on them, especially the roads that go through national parks. Without more attention brought to it, population size of some animals can be severely hurt by the major roads. Dodging 12,000 cars-a-day would be difficult, even for humans. Why do we expect animals to try?

Kesselheim, Alan S. "Safe Passage." Montana Quarterly Spring 2010: 40-45. Print.