Wildlife

Wildlife Corridor Design and Animal Safety

Wildlife corridors reconnect fragmented habitats but poorly designed crossings can create traps or fail to meet species needs.

Key Facts

Road mortality kills hundreds of millions of wildlife annually in the US
Properly designed wildlife crossings reduce collisions by 80-90%
Different species have vastly different corridor requirements
Connectivity is critical for genetic diversity in small populations
Failed corridors can concentrate animals near roads and increase mortality

Welfare Considerations

Animals attempting to cross fragmented landscapes face death by vehicle collision, predation in unfamiliar terrain, and exhaustion. Poorly designed corridors direct animals into danger rather than safety. Species-specific design, monitoring, and adaptive management are essential for corridors that genuinely improve welfare.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife crossing funding in transportation bills
Advocate for wildlife corridor requirements in new development
Donate to organizations that monitor and maintain wildlife crossings
Slow down in known wildlife crossing zones
Support research on corridor effectiveness for target species