Wildlife Crossings - How They Protect Individuals, Species, and Ecosystems
A Wildlife Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM IDA In Defense of Animals
August 2021

Wildlife crossings are specially designed passages above or beneath roadways that allow animals to cross safely. They have two main purposes: to protect animals and to protect motorists.

The ever-growing system of roads crossing the U.S. is fragmenting habitat and posing a major threat to wild animals and to motorists who can both be injured and killed in collisions.

Countless animals die trying to cross them, but building wildlife crossings can help reduce these deadly and costly accidents, and protect both individual animals and entire species.

“Imagine getting in the car at Thanksgiving to head home to where you grew up, and driving under a few wildlife overpasses. That should be part of the American experience.”
—Ted Zoli, bridge engineer and MacArthur Fellow

What Are Wildlife Crossings?

Wildlife crossings are specially designed passages above or beneath roadways that allow animals to cross safely.

They come in two general types — overpasses and underpasses — the design of which should be adapted to the needs of the local species. For example, a small culvert may be the appropriate design for a local population of reptiles or amphibians, whereas a large bridge crossing may be required for larger animals like mountain lions or elk.

Wildlife crossings have two main purposes: to protect animals and to protect motorists.

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Please read the ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE (PDF)

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