Simple plan reduces wildlife deaths in Alberta, here's why

Sunday, November 8, 2015, 3:58 PM - One of the most beautiful places in Canada, and arguably the world, may be paradise to nature enthusiasts, but the busy roads and highways of Banff National Park have proven deadly to local wildlife and drivers passing through the scenic area.

However, the latest wildlife mortality rates show a significant decrease in the number of animals killed on park highways in the past year.

Only 11 animals have been involved in fatal road collisions so far this year, a considerably low death rate for one of the deadliest wildlife collision spots in Canada. These statistics have come after the extension of the Trans Canada Highway through Alberta's iconic national park in 2014.

The project to began in 1981. With a budget of $317 million, the expanse now includes 44 wildlife crossings and 82 kilometres of fencing, stretching from the park gates to the British Columbia border.

"The completion of the Trans-Canada Highway Twinning Project has reduced wildlife vehicle collisions by 80 per cent," Tania Peters, spokeswoman for the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay Field Unit, told the Calgary Sun.

Banff has identified at least 11 species of large mammals using wildlife crossing structures more than 200,000 times since 1996. A variety of creatures from large mammals such as deer, elk and bears to smaller species like foxes, toads and snake frequent the crossings on a regular basis.

New fencing and crossings have greatly reduced traffic accidents involving animals, with the added help of RCMP and police issuing more than 10,000 tickets along the 130-kilometre stretch of highway.