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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Safe Driving Tips

Wild animals are killed or maimed on US roadways each year

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Slow Down, Especially at Dawn and Dusk

Most wildlife is active during these low-light hours. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react.

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Watch for More Than One

Animals often travel in groups. If you see one, others may be nearby or close behind.

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Scan the Roadsides Continuously

Watch for movement along shoulders and in the brush—especially the glint of eyes from headlights.

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Brake - Don't Swerve

Swerving can cause you to lose control or hit another vehicle. Brake firmly and stay in your lane.

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Heed Wildlife Crossing Signs

These signs mark known migration routes or high-collision areas. Stay alert and slow down.

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Stay Alert on Curves and Hills

Reduced visibility makes it harder to see wildlife entering the road unexpectedly.

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Don't Use Cruise Control in Wildlife Zones

You need to be able to slow down quickly and respond immediately.

Key Initiatives

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Public Awareness Campaigns

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

WVC 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 = Wildlife Crossings

Supporting the construction of wildlife crossings, for safe wildlife movement across highways.

Read our Blogs

Roadkill Report

Our Give Wildlife a Brake and Nature Mapping programs overlap when volunteers record roadkill. These observations help us track wildlife movement and identify conflict zones across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, guiding effective solutions like wildlife crossings.

Make a Report

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