Wildlife-related vehicle collisions claim the lives of approximately 200 individuals in the United States each year. In response, federal funding is aiding states in constructing safe animal crossings to mitigate these incidents.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Annually, around 200 fatalities occur due to vehicle collisions with wildlife in the U.S. The past decade has seen a concerted effort nationwide to establish structures that facilitate safe passage for animals across roadways. Stephanie Daniel from member station KUNC provides insight into this initiative.
STEPHANIE DANIEL, BYLINE: Standing in a dry creek bed beneath U.S. Highway 287 in Larimer County, Colorado, Rick Knight highlights the dangers posed to both motorists and wildlife at this location.
RICK KNIGHT: There used to be a big, old, wicked five-strand barb wire fence here.
DANIEL: This barrier prevented deer and other wildlife from crossing safely under the road, resulting in frequent collisions. Knight, a retired professor from Colorado State University, collaborated with college students to construct a wildlife-friendly crossing here, costing under $500.
KNIGHT: We put these vertical posts in the ground. They’re 15 inches apart.
DANIEL: These gaps are wide enough for deer, elk, and other wildlife, yet too narrow for cattle.
KNIGHT: So the thing we need is to give wildlife a choice.
DANIEL: Allowing animals options is crucial, as they are involved in over a million vehicle accidents nationwide each year.
JEREMY ROMERO: Roughly, that equates out to one wildlife vehicle collision every 26 seconds in our country.
DANIEL: Jeremy Romero from the National Wildlife Federation focuses on reducing these collisions through wildlife crossing projects at various governmental levels. He emphasizes that the most effective solutions consider the needs of the animals.
ROMERO: Like Wyoming where we have large, abundant pronghorn herds. And pronghorn – fun fact – don’t like to go under a road. They don’t like to use tunnels.
DANIEL: Consequently, Wyoming constructed overpasses for safe passage. Other regions may employ underpasses, modify box culverts, or use bridges and fencing to prevent wildlife from approaching roads. Romero highlights the importance of design considerations in these structures.
ROMERO: So how wide they are, how tall they are all play into allowing wildlife to utilize them and move across these roadways.
DANIEL: The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has increased the number of wildlife crossings. Over half the states and five Indian tribes have received funding for these projects. A significant crossing, costing $15 million, recently opened over Interstate 25 near Denver.
ROMERO: It’s been really helpful in getting states on board and taking the measures to make our roadways safer.
DANIEL: These crossings could potentially save $8 billion annually in costs associated with wildlife vehicle crashes.
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DANIEL: At Ozzie’s Body Shop in Larimer County, co-owner Megan Mueller frequently deals with vehicles damaged by wildlife collisions, such as a gray Toyota RAV4.
MEGAN MUELLER: The deer took off and ran into his left rear door.
DANIEL: She estimates the repair cost to be around $10,000.
MUELLER: The door absolutely needs replaced. In addition, the deer actually hit his wheel and tire, so we’ll be wanting to evaluate the alignment.
DANIEL: Research indicates that crossings can reduce wildlife vehicle collisions by approximately 90%, ensuring safe travel for people, animals, and vehicles. Reporting for NPR News, I’m Stephanie Daniel in Larimer County, Colorado.
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