As a young driver living near Yellowstone, a Montana senior explains why wildlife crossings benefit people and nature.
When Gallatin High School senior Kylie Bute of Bozeman was introduced to the positive impact that wildlife crossings for both animals and people in an environmental science class, it led her to create a senior project combining outreach, conservation, and her passion of art.
“I first learned about wildlife crossings earlier this year,” says Kylie. “We watched a documentary that featured Jodi Hilty, Y2Y’s president and chief scientist, and it really piqued my interest.” That spark led to a decision to paint a mural in a school hallway highlighting the importance of wildlife crossing and fencing projects.
Through her research, one statistic from Y2Y stood out that over 177 wildlife crossings have been built across the Yellowstone to Yukon region.
“That really impressed me. Crossings are a tangible solution because there’s really no downside to them — they’re effective, they save lives, and they’re cost-efficient in the long run. Unlike other environmental issues that can be controversial, wildlife crossings just make sense,” says Kylie.
Living in a gateway city to Yellowstone National Park, Kylie also has a personal connection to the issue.
“When I had my permit, I hit a deer while driving home from a hike with my dad. It took out a headlight and injured the deer — it was awful. I also have a friend who hit a deer and totaled their car. Wildlife collisions impact both locals and tourists, and that’s another reason I feel so strongly about spreading awareness, especially as a young driver.”
To spread that message, she wanted to combine her love of painting and art with a connection to conservation.
“I hope the mural creates a long-lasting impact at my school reaching students and staff to inspire people to learn more about them. I want people to have the curiosity I had about wildlife crossings, and then ideally support them being implemented.”
“I hope the mural creates a long-lasting impact at my school reaching students and staff to inspire people to learn more about them. I want people to have the curiosity I had about wildlife crossings, and then ideally support them being implemented.”
Kylie just graduated this summer and plans to take a gap year before attending Colorado State University in 2026. She’s keeping her academic path open for now but knows that her passion for environmental issues will continue to guide her next steps.
Listen to a recent interview with Kylie on Yellowstone Public Radio here: New laws boost conservation funding with marijuana revenue
Learn more about Y2Y’s landscape connection work here.
