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Spring 2024 |
Newsletter Archive |
Helping wildlife move around the Crowsnest Pass | ![]() |
![]() Results are now available from the 'Linking Landscapes Project' conducted in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada where remote cameras were used to monitor wildlife use of the landscape along Highway 3 in the Crowsnest Pass of southwestern Alberta. We aimed to better understand wildlife activity and use of two key corridors, Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor (JPWC) and Rock Creek (RC) and to determine if existing infrastructure (bridges and culverts) are being used by animals to safely cross Highway 3. Crossing the highway endangers animals but also poses a significant risk to human safety and economic costs due to animal-vehicle collisions. The data collected over two years has provided valuable insights into the activity and behavior of various species in the study area. While animals including deer, cougar, and coyotes, are utilizing existing infrastructure, larger species including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and moose are not effectively crossing using these means. The identification of the JPWC and RC as focal points for mitigation efforts is a crucial step towards addressing the issue. Transportation and Economic Corridors decision to construct a wildlife underpass at RC is a positive development that will help to facilitate safer passage for wildlife across Highway 3. By prioritizing wildlife safety and habitat connectivity, we can work towards coexistence between humans and wildlife along Highway 3. Thanks to TC Energy, CPKC, Wilburforce Foundation, Woodcock Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment, Canadian Western Bank and Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative for their financial support. To learn more please see Linking Landscapes Across Highway 3: Wildlife and Road Mitigation Assessment report. | |