Wildlife bridge across freeway in Canada

Where did the photograph come from and was this really a bridge built for animals? Update inside. Original teaser: Majestic picture inside. They had to build the animals their own crossing (especially the elk) because that was where the natural crossing was and after the highway was built there were far too many accidents. Pity Australia's developers and road makers seem to be too mean to do this kind of work for animals, although there are a few, small exceptions. Let's hope that Australia will follow this example. Unfortunately, on population policy, Canada is nearly as bad as Australia.

Elk used railway bridge.

Not a scam, but a reasonable mistake.

Futher update, from the wife of the photographer, Bob Peters.

On May 5, 2011, Mrs Peters wrote (see comment below article) that the photograph of the elks was first published on Picassa in 2006. "We did a little research of our own yesterday and we discovered that the bridge the elk were using is, indeed, a railway overpass. From the lower roadway, we couldn't tell that it isn't one of the animal overpasses Parks Canada has been building."

Scam?

The article was described as a scam by www.snopes.com, but it turns out that it was a simple mistake which illustrates, nonetheless, the principle that animals will use wildlife passes or whatever comes to hand, paw, hoof.
www.snopes.com has a page giving the background, which links to a much more interesting site with photographs of lots of different wildlife passes - here.

Below is an article where the true role of the bridge as a wildlife crossing was mistaken. We have republished the wonderful photo with the name of the photographer, Bob Peters. We are glad to be have the full story and to give due credit to Mr Peters. (Maybe he will send us some more wildlife photos one day!)

The bridge. Nice work, Canada !!

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?
If You Build It, THEY Will Come...

This is the actual turn-off From Banff, Alberta, Canada to the #1 highway to Calgary .

Great picture isn't it? They had to build the animals their own crossing (especially the elk) because that was where the natural crossing was and after the highway was built there were far too many accidents.

It didn't take the animals long to learn that this was their very own bridge!
And then you have some people saying 'Animals are stupid.'
Really....?

Candobetter Editor: This came to candobetter by email, but without the original author and photographer's name.
If you know them, please let us know and we will attribute the article and photos.