In celebration of National Wildlife Week (April 3-9), we here at CACC wanted to highlight a sustainable initiative gaining traction with communities seeking to preserve our natural ecosystems by conserving the precious species we cohabitate with. Wildlife crossings have provided animals with safe passage across busy highways and streets since the first one was built in France in 1950. Whether it’s a green bridge decked out in native flora or an underpass encouraging movement to the other side, these thoroughfares offer a protected way to find food, water, and mates.
Not only can wildlife crossings mitigate the status of endangered species, but they also drastically reduce the number of human injuries and deaths as a result of wildlife-car collisions. Such crashes can be costly and range from $8,000 to $45,000 when calculating expenses related to towing, vehicle repair, carcass disposal, investigation by local authorities, etc.¹
To date, the U.S. is home to over a thousand wildlife crossings and their importance has been recognized: a $350 million provision was allocated for these projects in the most recent infrastructure bill.² Below are just three wildlife crossings making or will make a difference in their local environment.
1. Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Southern California
Photo credit: Annenberg Foundation
Planned to be nearly an acre in area, a bridge underway in Los Angeles for wolves, mountain lions, lizards, snakes and other species will claim the title of world’s largest wildlife crossing when it’s completed. Currently the Route 101 freeway where the bridge will go over is a perilous barrier between animals and more open spaces in the Santa Monica Mountains. The hope is this corridor, stretching over 10 lanes of traffic, will prevent the extinction of mountain lions, a species protected in California but whose numbers have been dwindling due to shrinking genetic variability and vehicle collisions.³
2. Snoqualmie Pass bridge in Washington State
Photo credit: Scenic Washington
From toads to elk, coyotes to cougars, the Snoqualmie Pass bridge has given a breadth of creatures in the Cascades access to the rest of their habitat they were previously isolated from. Located 50 miles outside of Seattle, this bridge has caused wildlife collisions to be virtually non-existent. Due to its undeniable success, Phase 3 of additional wildlife crossings began last year to enhance the positive impact this project has already had with Washington’s wildlife.⁴
3. Henry Street Salamander Tunnels in Massachusetts
Photo credit: Boston.com and the Hitchcock Center
Almost four decades ago, several Amherst organizations collaborated to build tunnels to assist salamanders in their migration to their breeding grounds. These underpasses, still standing from 1987, continue to help the spotted salamander circumvent roads in their journey to vernal pools where they mate and lay eggs. Volunteers not only ensure the tunnels are clear of debris for passage, but will also help shepherd the salamanders safely to their destination.5
Did you know?
The first National Wildlife Week was celebrated in 1938 after the founder of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Ding Darling, met with President Franklin Roosevelt about the gravity of conserving American wildlife.
Similar to Mr. Darling, CACC recognizes when the creatures living among us thrive as they're meant to naturally, the benefits extend beyond their existence and affect the overall health of the environment they live in, be it other fauna, flora, and even humans. Lack of proper wildlife crossings is only one reason why many species struggle to survive. The effects of climate change at the hands of civilization - including the impact of human developments encroaching on native species' habitats - have had immeasurable consequences for life on our planet. Our mission originates from this understanding that wildlife is more than worthwhile protecting. We're excited to continue supporting this cause and appreciate you for being on this journey with us.
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