$9.3 million grant could mean fewer wildlife collisions in northern Maine

Caribou: A $9.3 million federal grant is on the table for Maine, and it could really help cut down on those pesky wildlife collisions. You know, the ones that happen on that stretch of road in Caribou where cars and animals often cross paths.

City Manager Penny Thompson mentioned that locals are pretty aware of where to slow down, especially on Routes 1 and 164, especially at night. It’s a common thing for drivers to say, “I almost hit a deer.” If you live there, you just know where to be extra cautious.

Thompson shared that after work, she sometimes heads to Presque Isle for late-night groceries. But there are times she skips the trip just to avoid those dark roads filled with wildlife. The Maine Department of Transportation has noted that this area has a high number of deer and moose collisions. A study from 2003 to 2023 showed at least 127 crashes in a two-mile stretch, mostly on Route 1.

Interestingly, local game wardens think the actual number of wildlife collisions is even higher than reported. They estimate at least a dozen wildlife incidents happen each year at the Route 164 crossing.

The state is hopeful that this grant will not only help reduce crashes but also protect a threatened trout species living in Prestile Brook. Justin Schlawin from the wildlife department said that building a structure big enough for moose will benefit other species too.

The grant money, along with $2.3 million from the department, will go towards replacing the old culverts under Routes 1 and 164. These culverts are outdated and narrow, which can lead to issues with water flow and potential failures.

The brook flows into the Aroostook River, but the current culverts are perched above the water, making it tough for fish to swim upstream. Schlawin pointed out that the brook is home to a local brook trout population, which is a priority for conservation in Maine.

Replacing the culverts should also help with drainage during heavy rains, which have caused flooding on Route 164 in the past. Nick Lund from Maine Audubon explained that small culverts can get overwhelmed during floods, leading to road washouts.

The new culvert on Route 164 will be a pre-cast concrete arch, about 30 feet wide and 17 feet tall. It’ll include a “simulated natural stream” and a raised shelf for moose and deer to cross safely.

The design for Route 1 is still being worked out, with plans to start in May 2026. Both projects are expected to take about a year, with Route 164 finishing in early 2027 and Route 1 wrapping up in late 2029.

Lund emphasized the importance of making wildlife crossings look as natural as possible. This way, animals are more likely to use them. He noted that wildlife already knows roads can be dangerous, so once they find a safe crossing, they’ll use it.

Maine has several wildlife crossings, but this Caribou project is on a larger scale. Eric Ham from the DOT mentioned that the size of the crossing depends on the site’s features, and these routes have enough height for a bigger arch.

Wider crossings allow for more gradual shorelines and vegetation, making them more appealing to wildlife. Between 2018 and 2022, deer were involved in most animal crashes in Maine, with nearly 30,000 collisions reported. Aroostook County had the highest number of moose crashes during that time.

Repairing damage from hitting a deer costs about $1,840, while moose collisions can average around $4,000. Sadly, the struck animals often don’t survive.

Maine was one of 16 recipients of federal funding through the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, which aims to reduce wildlife collisions and create safe passages for animals. City Manager Thompson expressed gratitude for the state’s support in securing the funds and planning the project.

She mentioned that living in Aroostook County can sometimes feel like being overlooked, but it’s nice to see state agencies working hard to invest in rural Maine. While she’s optimistic about the new crossings improving safety, she knows the results might not be immediately obvious.

Thompson said the real proof will be if accidents decrease and if people stop reporting close calls with animals.