Wildlife

A new wildlife pass is being built along Highway 21 to help keep animals and drivers safe from collisions.

Bees, butterflies and other insects are not considered wildlife in many Western states, including some in the Mountain West. That can affect bugs – and humans.

State and federal officials are increasingly looking to reduce costly animal-vehicle accidents. They want to invest in more wildlife crossings on highways to limit collisions.

Researchers have new evidence that enhancing wildlife connectivity between national parks in the West would help animals live hundreds of generations longer.

Idaho Matters sat down to find out how we can help wildlife through the colder seasons.

A new federal policy aims to protect fish and wildlife migration routes on public lands across the Mountain West and the rest of the U.S.

A study out of Utah State University tapped the expertise of ranchers to see which barriers work and which don’t. Depending on the location, growing season and habitat, certain materials and layouts could be cheaper and more effective than alternatives. In some cases, electric or barbed wire might work, while in others, mesh or wood is sufficient.

Wyoming researchers show that utility-scale solar developments can directly and indirectly affect habitat and create movement barriers for ungulates such as deer, elk and pronghorn.

This year’s strain of the bird flu is still killing birds in our region, from poultry to hawks. Officials hope the virus dies out later this summer, but until then, they urge bird owners to use good hygiene practices and to protect the birds from other wild species. To report sick or dead livestock, contact agriculture officials. To report sick or dead wild birds, contact your state wildlife officials.

As the West grows so does its infrastructure, but for elk, deer and other migrating big game, roads and housing developments are barriers. A new U.S. Geological Survey report details these migration routes to help ensure they persist.