Wildlife Road Crossings: A Solution to Preventing Collisions
Every year, drivers across the country hit between 1 to 2 million animals, according to the Federal Highway Administration. These incidents result in the deaths of hundreds of people, injuries to thousands more, and billions of dollars in damages (Holland, 2020). In Oregon, encountering wildlife on the road is a common occurrence, especially in rural areas. Imagine you're driving from Portland to Seaside on a foggy fall morning. Along the way, you might spot a fox, elk, or coyote crossing the road. Unfortunately, sometimes collisions happen, leading to totaled cars, injured drivers, and wildlife fatalities. But is there a solution to reduce these tragedies? Enter: Wildlife Road Crossings.
What are Wildlife Road Crossings?
Wildlife road crossings are specially designed infrastructure that allows animals to cross highways safely without stepping onto the road. These crossings come in two main types: overpasses (bridges above the road) and underpasses (tunnels beneath the road). Overpasses often feature fencing, guiding animals toward a safe crossing and away from the danger of traffic.
Why Are Wildlife Road Crossings Important?
In urban ecology, wildlife road crossings are becoming a vital tool to reduce collisions and protect both humans and animals. Animals need to move freely to forage, find mates, and access breeding grounds. Wildlife crossings not only help reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions but also allow animals to live their lives with minimal human interference. By giving wildlife safe passage, we can help preserve ecosystems and reduce the impact of human infrastructure on natural habitats.
Which Animals Use These Crossings?
Larger animals such as elk are quick to adopt these crossings, often using them earlier than other species (Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, 2024). Bears and wolves, however, can be more cautious, taking up to five years to trust these structures. These crossings are also used by smaller mammals and even amphibians. In Oregon, the focus is primarily on large migratory animals like deer and elk, as these species are most at risk of road collisions.
What is the Cost of Wildlife Crossings?
Wildlife crossings are a significant investment. In Oregon, for example, the Oregon Department of Transportation has allocated $20 million for the Siskiyou Wildlife Crossing over I-5. The project will include both overpasses and underpasses at strategic locations to ensure the safe migration of species like elk and mule deer. Other successful projects, like the Lava Butte Wildlife Crossing ($18.9 million), have already proven the effectiveness of these crossings.
Conclusion: Look But Don’t Touch
As with national and state parks, the principle of "look but don’t touch" should apply when it comes to wildlife and roadways. Minimizing human interference in natural ecosystems is critical, and wildlife road crossings offer a proactive solution. By continuing to invest in these structures, we can protect both wildlife and drivers, reducing tragic collisions while preserving the natural movements of animals.