Even moose approve: My Favorite Murder shouts out Parleys wildlife overpass

Parleys wildlife overpass makes a few appearances in popular podcast My Favorite Murder. Photo: Exactly Right Media.

PARK CITY, Utah — The nationally popular true-crime comedy podcast My Favorite Murder recently turned its attention to Utah history and wildlife conservation, spotlighting the Parley’s Summit animal crossing and its impact on public safety.

In episode 511, “They’ll All Pay,” co-host Karen Kilgariff revisited a story she first shared years earlier in episode 369 Blizzard Hotline in which she covered the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre.

“Well, I got reminded by our writer Allison and our producer Molly, as a fun news update for the Parley overpass, which was featured in episode [369],” Kilgariff said. “Look who’s passing, which later became an MFM animated ‘Claire the bossy deer.’ And it was all about that they built this overpass so that animals could basically not be in the road anymore.”

The wildlife crossing, located near Parley’s Summit, was developed through collaboration among Utah State University, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and transportation officials.

Co-host Georgia Hardstark reacted enthusiastically, adding, “Love them. Love their work.”

Kilgariff went on to share updated statistics that highlight the project’s success. “But basically the overpass is going so good. 77% reduction in wildlife vehicle collisions,” she said. “A $15 million cost benefit over the bridge’s lifetime.”

One data point in particular stood out to the hosts. “And their favorite finding is moose successfully crossed 100% of the time you never missed a moose because—” Kilgariff said, before Hardstark jumped in.

“The moose will kill you if you f****** hit it with your car, too,” Hardstark said.

The Utah-focused conversation resonated locally, especially as the hosts were fresh off a visit to the state. My Favorite Murder performed live shows Sept. 26 and 27, at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City.