Wyoming’s Wildlife Conservation License Plate Gets New Design Featuring Pronghorn
Wyoming’s Wildlife Conservation license plate has undergone a redesign, with the new plate now featuring a pronghorn, a native species to North America.
This new design replaces the previous plate that depicted a mule deer. The Wildlife Conservation license plate was first introduced in 2019 to raise funds for wildlife conservation efforts throughout the state.
A portion of the funds raised from the sale of these plates goes toward addressing wildlife-vehicle collisions, which are a significant issue in Wyoming. On average, 21 wildlife-vehicle accidents occur each day in the state, leading to an estimated $24-29 million in personal injury costs and $20-23 million in wildlife-related damages annually. The money raised from the new pronghorn plates will help fund crucial infrastructure, such as overpasses, underpasses, fencing, and signage, to help reduce these collisions.
Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce highlighted the importance of the plate.
“People in Wyoming take an amazing amount of pride in the diverse and abundant wildlife in our state. The Wildlife Conservation License Plate supports a good cause and shows others that you are part of a movement of people who are making a difference for wildlife and humans,” Bruce reports.
The new plates are available for purchase online through the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) website. The initial cost of the plate is $180, which includes $150 directed toward the Wildlife Conservation Fund and a $30 specialty plate fee. The renewal fee is $50 each year, in addition to standard vehicle registration fees.
The funds generated from plate sales have made a significant impact. Since the introduction of the plates, over 3,000 have been issued, raising more than $1.8 million in total. This money has been used to fund wildlife crossing projects, such as underpasses and overpasses that help animals safely migrate across busy roadways, ultimately reducing vehicle collisions. Studies show that such crossings, when paired with fencing, can reduce collisions by as much as 90%.
Wyoming’s efforts to improve wildlife safety on roads are a priority for both the Game and Fish Department and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). Darin Westby, WYDOT Director, expressed the department’s commitment to these initiatives, noting the importance of community support and private donations in these projects. He also emphasized the positive results of the wildlife crossing projects, including those completed in areas like Dry Piney, which have already shown success in reducing accidents.
While the pronghorn is now featured on the license plate, conservation efforts continue to address a broader range of wildlife in the state, including mule deer, elk, and wild turkeys. As wildlife populations continue to migrate across Wyoming’s roads, it remains vital to raise awareness about wildlife safety and support conservation projects that protect both animals and drivers.
To purchase a new Wildlife Conservation license plate and support these efforts, visit the Wyoming Department of Transportation website for more information.
Casper Star-Tribune, Wyoming News Now, and County 17 contributed to this report.
