Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife Corridors: Enabling Safe Movement for Wellbeing

Habitat fragmentation forces animals to cross dangerous human-modified landscapes. Wildlife corridors and crossing structures significantly reduce injury and mortality while maintaining population connectivity.

Key Facts

Roads kill an estimated 1 million vertebrates per hour in the US alone
Wildlife crossings reduce mortality by 80-95% where properly designed
Banff National Park underpasses and overpasses are used by bears, wolves, elk, and cougars
Connectivity is essential for genetic diversity and individual animals seeking mates and food
Fragmentation forces animals to cross roads, fences, and built areas at great personal risk

Welfare Considerations

Road mortality is traumatic and acute — animals struck by vehicles die suddenly or after prolonged injury. Animals failing to cross barriers may face starvation or reproductive isolation. Crossings eliminate these harms by providing safe passage. The welfare benefit of infrastructure that allows animals to move freely is enormous and long-lasting.

What You Can Do

Advocate for wildlife crossing infrastructure in local and national transport planning
Support Wildlands Network and Western Wildlife Connectivity initiative
Reduce speed in dawn and dusk wildlife crossing periods
Donate to animal rescue organizations that rehabilitate road-injured wildlife