JACKSON, Wyo. — On Thursday, Sept. 11, Teton County, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD)
announced that a variety of animals have been using the new wildlife crossings at the intersection of WY22 and WY390 in Wilson.
As part of the the Snake River Bridge and intersection project, the four structures, including one under the new bridge, were completed in July to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. The tunnels, bridges and fencing were designed to safely guide animals beneath the highway, per Teton County.
On June 27, a mule deer and her fawn use the wildlife structure. Photo: Teton County
On June 9, a moose crosses under the bridge, while a truck drives over the bridge. Photo: Teton County
On June 7, a moose and her calf use the wildlife structure. Photo: Teton County
Since the project’s completion, motion-sensor cameras have captured images of moose, elk, mule deer, skunks, red foxes and raccoons using the underpasses. A young bear was also documented using the tunnel system even before construction was completed.
“What’s especially exciting is that we’re not just seeing individual animals,” WGFD Wildlife Biologist for the Jackson Region Aly Courtemanch said in the announcement. “We’re seeing family groups — a mother moose and calf, a doe with fawns — which tells us these animals are learning and teaching the next generation where it’s safe to cross under the highway.”
In 2024, Snake River levee ramps constructed on the south and east side of the Wilson Bridge suggested ungulates’ preference for using crossing structures. According to Teton County, the WY22/390 intersection was previously one of the highest hotspots for vehicle-wildlife collisions in the region, particularly with moose.
“Colliding with a moose can be catastrophic,” Teton County Public Works Project Manager Chris Colligan said. “They’re large animals and hitting one can easily total a car or cause serious injuries. These crossings are already helping reduce those risks.”
The wildlife underpasses project was a collaborative effort, funded by WYDOT, Teton County and the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust. Teton County used funds from a voter-approved specific purpose excise tax for wildlife crossings that was approved in 2019, for $10 million.
Teton County reminds the public to only use the pedestrian underpasses, not the wildlife underpasses. Human presence can deter wildlife from moving through the structures, Teton County wrote via press release.
With wildlife activity expected to increase this fall, Teton County urges drivers to remain alert, especially during dawn and dusk hours, and near known migration corridors. Drivers should be extra alert near the fence ends of Snake River Bridge project at Wenzel Lane and Iron Rock Road on WY22, and Raven Haven Drive on WY390.
Teton County has identified additional high-priority sites for future wildlife crossing projects, and the full list of proposed locations can be seen here.