Crossing a busy stretch of U.S. Highway 97 in central Oregon can be deadly for mule deer, elk and other wildlife. For the sake of wildlife and driver safety, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, several other partners including community members provided funding for the construction of a wildlife undercrossing near Gilchrist.
“Mule deer need to move seasonally fall and spring between their winter and summer ranges. And they show a very strong fidelity to those movements,” said Sarah Gregory, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson. “We’ve got a large number of collisions here. There are still a lot of animals that still rely on crossing the highway. And to funnel them through that undercrossing is going to be wonderful.
The Klamath Falls News reports the project will be completed in 2020.
(Photo source: Oregon Department of Transportation)