Idaho's New Wildlife Underpass to Save 100 Deer Annually

Idaho is about to complete a wildlife crossing that will save hundreds of deer from deadly highway collisions while keeping drivers safer on the road.

The Rocky Point Wildlife Underpass will finish construction this fall along U.S. Highway 30, south of Montpelier in Bear Lake County. The crossing features three underpasses and extensive fencing to guide migrating deer safely under the busy highway.

"We were seeing just all kinds of problems there; we were losing at least 100 deer a year," said Justin Smith, public information officer for the Idaho Transportation Department. Over a decade, that's 1,000 animals killed, plus millions of dollars in damage to vehicles and taxpayers.

The project represents a powerful partnership between the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, the Idaho Conservation League, and Bear Lake County. Together, these groups spent years pushing for a solution that protects both wildlife and people.

A $20.8 million federal grant from the Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program funded 98% of the construction costs. The money came from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021, and the project may even come in under budget.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't Idaho's first success with wildlife crossings. In 2023, the state built the Cervidae Peak Wildlife Overpass near Boise on Idaho Highway 21.

Wildlife cameras captured more than 1,000 deer safely using that crossing in just two months between October and December 2024. The time-lapse video showed a steady stream of animals choosing the safe passage over the dangerous highway.

Now Idaho officials are studying other highway corridors with heavy wildlife populations. As the state's population grows, these crossings offer a proven way to protect both drivers and animals.

The Idaho Legislature passed a resolution in March encouraging more wildlife corridor projects where local communities support them. "Rocky Point shows what's possible when agencies, conservation, and sporting groups, and local communities work toward the same goal," said Matt Lucia, Idaho conservation manager at the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.

Smith emphasized that safety drives every decision: "We're always open to doing what needs to be done for the safety of the traveling public."

This fall, when deer begin their seasonal migration, they'll walk safely under Highway 30 instead of risking their lives across it.