Give Wildlife a Brake

Slow Down, Save Lives: Protecting Wildlife on the Move

Reducing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation’s “Give Wildlife a Brake” program is dedicated to reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions in the Jackson Hole area. Since its inception in 1994, the program has implemented various strategies to protect both wildlife and motorists.

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Key Initiatives

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Public Awareness Campaigns

Educating drivers on the importance of mindful driving, especially in areas prone to wildlife crossings.

Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Report

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Wildlife-Vehicle Collision

Reporting on detail roadkill hotspots and trends, providing valuable data to inform mitigation efforts.

See the Hotspot Data

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Advocacy for Wildlife Crossings

Supporting the construction of wildlife crossings, such as overpasses and underpasses, to facilitate safe animal movement across highways.

Read our Blogs

How You Can Help

Drive Mindfully

Stay alert, follow speed limits, especially at dawn and dusk when wildlife is active. Use high beams when safe, and slow down near wildlife crossing signs to react.

Report Collisions

If you witness or are involved in a wildlife-vehicle collision, report it to local authorities to assist in data collection and mitigation planning.

Support Initiatives

Advocate for and support the development of wildlife crossings and other infrastructure improvements designed to protect wildlife.

Why Wildlife Crossings Matter

Wildlife Crossings: Protect the Legacy of 399

On October 22, 2024, Grizzly 399, a beloved and iconic bear, was fatally struck by a vehicle on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon. At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing grizzly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, renowned for raising 18 cubs and captivating wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. Her frequent presence near roads in Grand Teton National Park made her a symbol of the delicate coexistence between wildlife and humans.

The collision, deemed accidental, highlights the critical need for safer roads in wildlife corridors. Between 2009 and 2023, 49 grizzlies were killed by vehicles in the region. Grizzly 399’s death underscores the urgency of mindful driving and wildlife-friendly infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.

Let her legacy inspire action. Slow down, stay alert, and advocate for wildlife crossings to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats. Together, we can honor her story and safeguard the future of wildlife.

Mourning a Legend