I-SPY on the Pass Beta Testers Needed

American Wildlands is launching a new online data collection program for determining where wildlife are crossing I-90 on Bozeman Pass, I-SPY on the Pass, and we want you to help us test this new program!

Each year an average of 240 animals are killed attempting to cross Interstate 90 between Livingston and Bozeman. Wildlife-vehicle collisions negatively affect wildlife populations, cause human injury and cumulatively cost society a lot of money in hospital bills, car repairs and the like.

In response to this, American Wildlands, along with other organizations and agencies, is working to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions by increasing wildlife safe passages and driver information.

But first things first… We need to determine where animals are most likely to cross the highway before we can figure out where to implement safe passage solutions.

Through our I-SPY on the Pass program, American Wildlands wants to know exactly what species motorists see on Bozeman Pass, where motorists see them, and when they see these animals. I-SPY on the Pass will help us do this. This program will allow people the opportunity to access our website and record wildlife sightings on the Bozeman Pass section of Interstate 90. Over time, this data will create patterns that help determine the “hotspots” for wildlife crossings across the highway. The Montana Department of Transportation will be able to use the information we all produce to place new warning signs and other highway safety remedies to make the pass a safer place for both humans and wildlife.

This is where you come in…

Before we “go live” and begin gathering data, we need people to help us test the program. We want to determine the program’s clarity and ease of use, and we are hoping you will help us.

If you are interested in helping us test our program between now and March 25th, please click here http://www.wildlands.org/ispy/beta. This should take less than five minutes of your time. Then we would love to hear feedback on your experience with the program (a feedback form is available at the test site).

Thank you so much for your help on this new and exciting endeavor and we look forward to hearing from you!