GPS Tracking Data Leads to the Building of Animal Overpass

Five years of GPS tracking data help researching build overpass for Wyoming animals.

The pronghorn, native to Wyoming, make a long migration  — which is approximately 93 miles long —every year around the fall season. They travel south headed toward the Upper Green River Basin to prepare for the winter.

The journey is long and arduous, especially when they try to cross roads adorned with heavy traffic. Of course, lack of food and resources, and predators are an issue, but the traffic along this route tends to be the hardest for the pronghorn’s journey.

Pronghorns are found in North America only, with the majority of them calling Wyoming home. They are antelope-like animals that also happen to be the fastest running land animals on the continent, being able to run more than 53 mph across short distances. There were about 35 million pronghorns in the 19^th century, but today there are just 700,000. And those numbers are decreasing at a rapid pace.

In order to help the pronghorn migrate safely along U.S. Highway 191, which crosses their path, state officials used GPS tracking data to help build two overpasses and six underpasses for a safe journey for the pronghorns each the fall.

Built last year, using five years of GPS data collected in regards to the pronghorn’s behaviors and migration patterns, researchers were able to deduce an appropriate plan for the overpasses.

This fall was the second time the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) was able to watch the pronghorns use the overpasses and underpasses. So far, it has been a success with fewer casualties and pronghorns not hesitating to use these helpful crossings. The first year, the pronghorns took several hours to cross, not confident in their ability to make it across safely. However after successfully migrating using the overpass and underpass, this second year has proved to be much easier.

“What a difference a year makes. While it was great to see pronghorn first using the overpass last year, it was clear that the fences and structures were confusing to them. This year, groups numbering from one to two hundred moved along a new route directly to, and over, the overpass with no delays, demonstrating their comfort with the overpass and the structure’s conservation value. The overpass not only reduces mortality but also allows the pronghorn to move with less energy and stress,”  Jeff Burrell, the Northern Rockies Program Coordinator for the WCS, told reporters.

Not only are the pronghorns able to use the overpasses and underpasses, but other animals in the area as well. This include elk, moose, deer and livestock during various seasons throughout the year. People will also be more safe as they are not put in danger when deciding whether or not to put on the breaks if a pronghorn or other animal runs across the road while they are driving on it.

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