Wildlife

Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure Welfare

Wildlife crossing structures reduce vehicle collision mortality and facilitate connectivity between habitat patches.

Key Facts

Vehicle collisions kill millions of wild animals annually in the United States alone
Wildlife crossings reduce deer-vehicle collisions by over 80% in study areas
Underpasses, overpasses, and culverts can accommodate different species
Highway fencing combined with crossings is essential to funnel animals to safe crossing points

Welfare Considerations

Vehicle collisions cause traumatic injury and death to wildlife. Animals that survive collisions may suffer internal injuries, broken bones, and exposure. The welfare case for wildlife crossing infrastructure is compelling: crossings virtually eliminate collision mortality in well-designed corridors. Wider habitat connectivity also reduces stress from habitat fragmentation.

What You Can Do

Support infrastructure funding that includes wildlife crossing requirements
Advocate for wildlife crossing retrofits on dangerous road sections
Report wildlife crossing use to citizen science programs
Reduce driving speed near known wildlife crossing areas at night