Wild Animals

Wildlife Crossings and Road Mortality

Roads kill billions of animals annually worldwide, making them one of the most significant human impacts on terrestrial wildlife.

Key Facts

An estimated 1 million vertebrates are killed on US roads daily
Road mortality affects population dynamics of large carnivores most severely
Wildlife overpasses and underpasses reduce collisions by up to 97%
Fragmented habitats increase inbreeding in isolated populations
Driver education reduces nighttime collisions significantly

Welfare Considerations

Road mortality is not simply an ecological problem but an enormous welfare issue. Animals struck by vehicles experience acute trauma, many surviving for hours with severe injuries. Fragmentation also causes chronic stress in animals unable to reach mates, food, or seasonal habitats. Wildlife crossing infrastructure provides immediate and long-term welfare benefits at scale.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife crossing infrastructure funding in your region
Reduce speed when driving through wildlife corridors especially at night
Report wildlife-vehicle collisions to your local wildlife agency
Advocate for highway safety reviews that incorporate wildlife mortality data