Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure Effectiveness

Wildlife crossings including underpasses, overpasses, and culverts allow animals to cross roads safely, reducing road mortality and reconnecting fragmented habitat.

Key Facts

Roads kill over 1 million vertebrates per day in the United States alone
Wildlife crossings reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions by 80-97% in studied locations
The Banff National Park crossing system has allowed wolf and grizzly recolonization
Crossing effectiveness depends on design, fencing to guide animals, and local species needs
The world largest wildlife crossing is under construction over the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles
Cost-effective crossings can pay for themselves through reduced collision damage and emergency services

Welfare Considerations

Animals struck by vehicles but not killed immediately experience trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, and prolonged suffering before death or intervention. Deer, elk, bears, and smaller mammals are killed in large numbers on roads worldwide. The stress of navigating fragmented habitat — forcing animals to repeatedly attempt dangerous road crossings — causes chronic physiological stress. Habitat fragmentation from roads isolates populations, reducing genetic diversity and resilience over time.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife crossing funding in transportation bills and ballot initiatives
Donate to organizations advocating for wildlife crossing infrastructure
Drive cautiously near wildlife crossing zones and respect warning signs
Support local wildlife crossing feasibility studies in your region
Advocate for wildlife-sensitive road design in new development
Report wildlife-vehicle collisions to state databases to support crossing site selection