This September, we're launching the first phase of a four-year project to document roadkill and wildlife across Montana. These data will be used by partners to implement mitigation strategies with the goal of reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.

We Need Your Help 

Are you an avid cyclist based in or planning extensive travel through Montana?
We are seeking adventurous individuals who pay close attention to detail, follow through on their commitments in a timely matter, ​and are able to regularly communicate with the Adventure Scientists team. 

General qualifications:
  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Access to and proficiency with an iPhone 6 or Android equivalent (or later generation smartphone).
  • Ability to safely cycle on Montana state highways with at least one partner.
  • Previous field data collection experience is preferred but not required.

The Nitty-Gritty Details

Timeframe
To capture roadkill and wildlife data representative of each season, we've divided our study into a series of cycling field seasons. You can choose to volunteer for a single field season or commit to multiple, although we prefer a commitment to multiple since this is a long-term project. 

Field Season I: September 27 - October 13, 2019
Field Season II: Early May 2020
Field Season III: Early July 2020
Field Season IV: Mid August 2020 
Field Season V: Late September 2020
Field Seasons VI - XIII: May 2021- September 2022
Data Collection Requirements
Within a cycling field season, you and a partner are asked to collect roadkill data along a 25-mile segment of roadway, by riding out and back along this segment for a total of 50 miles. You can choose whether you and a partner will complete the entire 50 mile out-and-back segment yourselves, or recruit additional team members to sign up, get trained, and divide up the segment. 

As you ride your segment, you will consistently scan the road and roadside for any signs of roadkill and live wildlife. When you see an animal (dead or alive), you are asked to stop to take photos and additional metadata of the occurrence.

This project protocol requires you to go slow, stay engaged, and focus on collecting high-quality data—it's not race time!
Training and Equipment
All volunteers need to complete online training modules and a comprehensive quiz prior to getting out in the field. We will offer a variety of optional educational webinars and readings to supplement your education. 

To volunteer for this project, you must provide your own bike, helmet, and smartphone. We will provide you with additional safety gear, protocols, and project swag.  
Please allow 10-15 minutes to complete the application.