Passes keep migrating wildlife safe
The Peoples Way, or U.S. Highway 93, as it passes through the land of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Nation, sets a new standard for efforts to reduce the impact of a modern day travel route on Montana’s wildlife.
The 56.3-mile section of highway between Evaro and Polson boasts dozens of wildlife underpasses and one overpass to reduce vehicular collisions with wildlife.
“All living things seek out safe, efficient routes to food, shelter, water and access to potential mates,” said Quentin Kujala, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife sections coordinator. “Wildlife’s most efficient, age-old routes are often bisected today by blacktopped highways. The result can be costly, often deadly vehicular/wildlife conflicts.”
While we have to work at reducing conflicts between vehicular travel and game trails today, all species, human or otherwise, have shared travel routes through time and mutually benefitted from the characteristics of a good trail.
In fact, many of today’s paved roads closely align with the trails used by wildlife and the state’s early peoples.
In Montana, the mother of all trails, the Old North Trail, on the east side of the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico, has been traveled for an estimated 10- to 12,000 years.
The Old North Trail served the likes of the giant short-faced bear and the saber-toothed cat, ancient peoples afoot, tribes with dogs pulling travois, and eventually horses. Traces of the Old North trail are still visible—a sure sign of a successful, well-placed trail.
What are the secrets of long-lived natural trails? Why do they pass where they do? What natural features helped shape them? What instincts and needs do they fulfill? What is at the heart of their allure? These can be interesting questions to ask about a favorite trail.
Just remember, if you hike game trails in spring or early summer, show you care by “leaving them there”—the fawns and other newborn wildlife that is. It is just the right thing to do.