After death, Montana considers fencing I-90 at Drummond elk crossing
The Missoulian reports that the Montana Department of Transportation is considering a $1.5 million fencing project to funnel roaming elk under the interstate at existing underpasses in the eight-mile stretch between Drummond and Jens.
MDT Director Mike Tooley says the fencing project would serve as both a safety measure and interstate maintenance.
The project comes after Duane Carlton, of Bozeman, died on June 6 when his motorcycle collided with an elk in the stretch.
Wildlife officials say more elk are on highways as the most recent elk count was over 1,200 in the hunting district quarter in the Drummond area, well above the movement goal of 800 to 1,200 for the whole hunting district.
Reduced hunting opportunity by some landowners could be contributing to the concentration of elk in that area of the Clark Fork River valley.
