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Wyoming Department of Transportation Releases New Protection Plate with Pronghorn

Wyoming Department of Transportation Releases New Protection Plate with Pronghorn

“There are more than 8,00 wildlife-vehicle collisions each year in Wyoming. That’s 21 wildlife collisions every day. The Wyoming Department of Transportation estimates an average injury and property damage cost of $11,600 per big game collision. The burden is even higher.” “When wildlife impacts are taken into account, each year collisions in Wyoming result in $24-29 million in personal injury costs and $20-23 million in wildlife costs annually,” says Wyoming. In a news release from the Ministry of Transport:

Recognizing the need to protect drivers and assist wildlife, the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 39 in 2018 to create a wildlife protection license plate to help fund efforts to reduce collisions between wildlife and vehicles.

In 2023, wildlife-related vehicle crashes accounted for nearly 16% of all reported traffic crashes in Wyoming. Highway underpasses and overpasses, when combined with fencing, can reduce accidents by 80-90% and enable animals to cross roads safely to reach seasonal areas.

“People in Wyoming are incredibly proud of the diverse and abundant wildlife in our state. The Wildlife Conservation License Plate supports a good cause and shows others that you are part of a movement of people making a difference for wildlife and people,” said Angi Bruce, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director .

Funds from the conservation license plate help fund overpasses, underpasses, fences and signage to prevent vehicle-animal collisions along wildlife migration corridors. The state has issued more than 3,000 conservation plates since its launch in 2019, raising $968,820 for wildlife crossing projects. Combined with other donations from Wyoming drivers, a total of $1.8 million was raised for wildlife projects in the state.

“WYDOT is a proud partner of this grassroots movement working to improve safety and maintain connectivity for both people and wildlife,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “Support from public donations and nonprofit fundraising makes wildlife crossing projects unique for WYDOT, and it is easy to support a project that has proven successful in reducing accidents.”

The license plate has a starting price of $180, with a $50 renewal fee each year in addition to registration fees. People who previously purchased the mule deer protection plate will also need to purchase the new plate. The plate can be used at any time, not just with renewals. Information on how to purchase a Wildlife Protection Plate WYDOT website.

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