This Alberta park has the most wildlife crossing structures in the world

Canada is renowned for its beauty, but if it weren’t for the animals who call it home, it wouldn’t be as spectacular. Luckily, in busier national parks like Banff, Alberta, wildlife crossings help keep them safe and comfortable—a win-win for both four-legged and two-legged residents.

Located in the Rocky Mountains, this incredible area is committed to conservation, installing 44 wildlife crossing structures (six overpasses and 38 underpasses), along with 82 km of highway fencing throughout the park.

Not impressed?

According to Parks Canada, Banff has the most wildlife crossing structures and highway enclosure fencing in a single location on the entire planet and it works!

While it took around 5 years to get certain animals (like grizzly bears) to use these tree and grass-lined crossing structures, wildlife-vehicle collisions have dropped by more than 80% – but the work is never done.

This particular project began in 1996 and is considered the longest ongoing wildlife crossing research and monitoring program in the world and they’ve learned a ton in that time.

“Wildlife use underpasses and overpasses alike; however, when given a choice each species seems to have distinct preferences. Grizzly bears, wolves, elk, moose and deer prefer crossing structures that are high, wide and short in length, while black bears and cougars tend to prefer long, low and narrow underpasses.”

So, next time you’re in the park, look up before going under!

You never know who or what might be crossing above you.

It’s an incredible sight, but we urge you to watch only from a distance!

Please note that human use of the Alberta Wildlife Crossings is prohibited in Banff National Park, Alberta.

Happy driving and enjoy the view.