New Bills Aim to Reduce Wildlife-Vehicle Accidents in Montana

We all love the perks of living in one of the least populated states in the country. It’s one of the things that makes Montana so special. We’ve got wide open spaces, mountain views without rows of rooftops, and more miles of untouched wilderness than most people will ever experience. You can drive for hours without hitting traffic, explore public lands that seem to go on forever, and spot wildlife right in your own backyard.

It’s a lifestyle many dream about—and one we’re lucky enough to live every day. But with all that beauty and open land comes a downside.

Montana has been ranked second in the country for wildlife-vehicle collisions. It’s not surprising when you think about how often deer, elk, moose, or even the occasional bear end up near roadways. Whether it’s early morning or dusk, animals are on the move, and that can create serious hazards for drivers.

"The average Montanan faces a 1-in-53 chance of hitting an animal each year, and from 2008 to 2020, more than 29,000 large-animal collisions cost the state an estimated $212 million annually. Between 2013 and 2022, 54 people died on Montana roadways because of wildlife-vehicle collisions." - Greater Yellowstone Coalition.

What Is Montana Doing About the Issue?

Two recently passed bills—House Bill 855 and House Bill 932—are taking big steps toward solving the problem and keeping Montanans safe.

House Bill 855 focuses on investing in wildlife crossing infrastructure. It creates a dedicated account called the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account Plus, a new specialty license plate could bring in up to $160,000 a year to help fund the effort.

Alongside it, House Bill 932 allocates a portion of marijuana tax revenue to conservation projects, giving long-term support to initiatives that protect both people and wildlife.

Expect to see more underpasses, overpasses, fencing, and signage placed strategically around the state to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

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This isn’t just a win for driver safety—it’s also a major step forward for protecting Montana’s wildlife, giving animals safer ways to move freely through their natural habitat.