"Elk crossing" w/ pic

biederboat · 02-27-2007, 07:40 PM

I did a search, didn't look like this was posted before, please excuse me if it was. Here's the verbage that came with the email: "This is the actual turnoff from Banff to the # 1 highway to Calgary. Great picture isn't it? They had to build the animals (especially the elk) their own crossing because that was where the natural crossing was and after the highway was built there were far too many accidents. I understand it didn't take the animals long to learn that this was their "road. " "

Biederboat

Rank Amateur · 02-27-2007, 07:52 PM

Get that darn truck out of the way so I can line up for a shot!

Hey that is way cool, I would not imagined the elk would use it.

skein · 02-27-2007, 08:01 PM

C'mon, everybody knows that elk get tooooo stressed near a road. I'll bet every one of them just lay down and died right after this pic was taken.

Great picture!

Skein

HOGGEMIN · 02-27-2007, 08:12 PM

That is a kewl picture. I understand the elk and road deli ma but they are very adaptable. As I understand they used to be a plains animal that adapted to the woods.

Roguerunner · 02-27-2007, 08:14 PM

thats one of the coolest pics I've seen in a while. nice

TheTexan · 02-28-2007, 07:03 AM

We camped at Lake Louise last year and saw these bridges. They have done an excellent job in designing them for the elk/deer/bear etc.. Most of the bridges are covered with rocks, trees, grass, etc.. to make it look more natural. There are also tunnels under the highway that the animals can use. The highway is fenced on both sides and funnel the animals into the tunnel or bridge. It seems like it would be great spot for a cougar or bear to set up an ambush, but it certainly keeps the animals from getting hit by vehicles.

If you ever get the chance to visit this area is beautiful. I would go back again this summer if the family would let me.

Vandal · 02-28-2007, 07:43 AM

I have seen this with my own eyes...definately hard to believe even when you are watching it.
Most of these elk are not afraid of humans they roam through the town like they own the place...and they really do.

OR Coast Range · 02-28-2007, 08:17 AM

I don't know if I would feel comfortable driving under an elk bridge. I'd alway be afraid that one of them would spook and end up through my windshield. Although if it landed in the bed of my pickup, then is it really road kill?

BigSkyHunter · 02-28-2007, 10:50 AM

They have animal crossing tunnels under several highways in Montana that use fences to funnel them. In my Mammalogy class we viewed trail camera photos set up at the tunnels of the different species that use them. Small (wiesels) to large (deer, bears) used them on a regular basis.

RiverRogue · 03-04-2007, 11:45 AM

Currently, OHA , ODF&W, & ODOT are looking at feasibility of this on select areas of high hi-way mortality incidents. This is in the beginning stages. Lots of questions still need to be answered. It would be great to see it happen though, at least give it a try.

Norski · 03-04-2007, 07:41 PM

Where is my fee for posting a picture of my truck????