How wildlife crossings protect both animals and people

Summary

The video explores the growing initiative to build wildlife crossings along highways in the U.S., aiming to protect animals and reduce road accidents. With over 1,500 wildlife crossings across 43 states, projects like the one on I-90 in Washington and the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in California aim to connect fragmented habitats. These crossings have proven effective in reducing animal collisions and promoting genetic diversity. The effort, supported by both biologists and government agencies, is vital for both wildlife safety and human traffic safety, benefiting ecosystems and communities alike.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interstate 90 in the U.S. serves as a massive divide for wildlife, affecting animal movement across its length.
• 😀 Wildlife crossings, such as overpasses and underpasses, are being developed to provide safe passage for animals across busy highways.
• 😀 The project on I-90 in Washington aims to preserve genetic diversity by connecting isolated wildlife populations.
• 😀 Wildlife crossings help mitigate the risk of animals being hit by vehicles, although success is not guaranteed without proper design.
• 😀 Miles of fencing funnel animals to designated crossing points, with native plants mimicking the habitat to encourage animals to use the crossings.
• 😀 Banff National Park in Canada has been a model for wildlife crossings worldwide, with significant success in reducing collisions by 80%.
• 😀 In the U.S., over 1,500 wildlife crossing structures exist across 43 states, with notable projects in Wyoming, Florida, and Utah.
• 😀 California is working on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a massive structure over the 101 freeway that will help connect isolated wildlife populations.
• 😀 The crossing is partly inspired by the story of P22, a mountain lion in Los Angeles who faced challenges due to fragmented habitats.
• 😀 Wildlife crossings also have a human safety benefit, as they reduce collisions between animals and vehicles, improving road safety for everyone.
• 😀 Federal funding, such as the $350 million grant program announced by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, supports the construction of wildlife crossings across the country.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of wildlife crossings on highways?

Wildlife crossings are designed to provide safe passage for animals, helping them cross busy roads without the risk of getting hit by vehicles. They aim to reduce wildlife-related accidents and preserve animal populations by connecting fragmented habitats.

How does the I-90 wildlife crossing project contribute to animal conservation?

The I-90 wildlife crossing project spans 15 miles near the Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, creating a safe route for wildlife to cross the highway. This helps prevent localized extinctions and allows for genetic diversity by connecting animal populations on either side of the road.

Why is it important to connect animal populations across highways?

Connecting animal populations across highways is essential to prevent the loss of genetic diversity, which can lead to localized extinctions. It ensures that animals can find mates and continue their species' survival without being isolated by road barriers.

What measures are taken to make wildlife crossings effective?

Wildlife crossings use various strategies, such as miles of fencing to funnel animals to crossing points, high concrete walls to block headlights and reduce traffic noise, and native plants to make the transition between habitats seamless for animals.

How have wildlife crossings proven successful in other regions?

One prominent example is Banff National Park in Canada, where wildlife crossings have reduced wildlife collisions by 80%. These crossings have served as a model for similar projects worldwide, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing animal deaths on highways.

What is the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project, and why is it significant?

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a project under construction in California, which will span more than 200 feet across 10 lanes of the 101 freeway. It aims to provide safe passage for animals like mountain lions, foxes, and ground squirrels, and is expected to be completed by 2025 or 2026. The project is important for preserving wildlife populations and addressing the issue of animal extinction in urban areas.

Who was P22, and why is his story important for wildlife crossings?

P22 was a celebrated mountain lion who roamed Griffith Park in Los Angeles. His story highlights the challenges faced by wildlife in urban environments, especially when crossing multiple freeways. His tragic death in 2022 underscores the need for wildlife corridors to ensure safe passage for animals and prevent isolation of populations.

How do wildlife crossings also benefit human lives?

Wildlife crossings not only protect animals but also contribute to human safety by reducing road accidents caused by collisions with wildlife. This improves traffic safety, reduces road closures, and leads to faster commutes for drivers.

How is the public reacting to the construction of wildlife crossings?

The public has generally shown strong support for wildlife crossings, with many agreeing that they are a valuable investment for both animal protection and human safety. The projects have gained bipartisan support, and there is widespread understanding that these crossings benefit everyone by reducing wildlife-related accidents.

What are the challenges faced in building wildlife crossings?

One of the main challenges is securing the necessary funding and public support for these large-scale projects. For instance, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing required significant fundraising efforts. Additionally, construction can cause temporary disruptions, such as slowdowns and lane closures, but the long-term benefits outweigh these challenges.