Wyoming counted 23,735 bird and bat deaths at wind turbines in 2025, including 1,160 large birds, 9,152 small birds and 13,423 bats, a state wildlife official told the Game and Fish Commission.
Low wind speeds drive much of the mortality because birds and bats fly near blades without noticing them, though officials said the carcass counts likely understate the true toll.
IdentiFlight cameras can automatically stop and restart turbines when raptors approach, replacing spotters with binoculars; officials also cited painting one blade black to improve visibility.
Game and Fish can advise developers and recommend permit conditions, but only Wyoming's Industrial Siting Council can order a wind farm shutdown if kills exceed acceptable levels.
Critics remain unconvinced: activist Anne Brande said golden eagles face particular risk in Wyoming and argued both direct turbine strikes and wider wind-farm impacts are being undercounted.