In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in wildlife crossings in states all over the country. Not only do they save the lives of animals, but they also protect people from the risks of car crashes involving deer and other wildlife. The federal government has announced $110 million in grants to create nationwide wildlife crossings.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg made the announcement this week, which included a video on Instagram:
The clip shows a series of animals that benefit from these wildlife crossings. Officials say there are needs for these all over the country, especially in western states that have seen population booms in recent years.
According to Secretary Buttigieg, the grants are “for 19 wildlife crossing projects in 17 states, including four Indian Tribes. The projects will construct wildlife crossings over and below busy roads, add fencing, acquire tracking and mapping tools, and more.”
The grants will benefit the country from coast to coast, from Virginia and Kentucky to Arizona and California.
Conversations about wildlife crossings have become commonplace with viral videos like one out of Utah capturing baby animals safely traveling above a busy roadway.
Other attention has come with cities like Los Angeles working to reconnect wilderness areas with bridges. The crossing will allow for safe passage over the city’s well-known 101. When construction is completed in 2025, it’s expected to be the largest wildlife crossing of its kind.
As stated, these crossings are not solely for conservation. The Wildlife Society released a study that found that nearly 200 people died from collisions with wildlife in 2018.
