Some Countries Build Wildlife Crossings Over Highways, and They’re So Effective We Need Them Everywhere

Encountering a moose or deer on the highway while driving at high speeds can be alarming. The animal crossing the road is often frightened and confused by the noise and rapid approach of vehicles, which can lead to dangerous situations for both the animal and the driver. Improving infrastructure, such as adding wildlife crossings, can significantly reduce these risks.

At Bright Side, we are committed to promoting coexistence with nature and supporting conservation efforts. Today’s topic highlights one of humanity’s valuable innovations: wildlife crossings. These structures play a crucial role in protecting animal lives and have been effective in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Many animals migrate to find food, suitable habitats, or better breeding conditions. During these migrations, they often need to cross highways, which can be perilous. The sounds and movements of traffic can startle animals, leaving them stranded on roads and increasing the risk of accidents.

Addressing this issue involves improving wildlife connectivity and safety. Solutions may include constructing wildlife crossings, such as overpasses or underpasses, to help animals navigate roads safely and reduce collisions.

To help animals navigate roads and reduce collisions with vehicles, conservationists around the world have developed wildlife crossings, such as overpasses and ecoducts. These structures are designed to allow animals to cross roads safely.

Europe is known for having a significant number of these wildlife crossings, reflecting its commitment to integrating conservation efforts with infrastructure development.

The concept of wildlife crossings began in France in the 1950s, initially designed to help deer and later adapted to various species. This approach has since gained global traction, with Europe being a leader in implementing these structures. Countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and France have established numerous overpasses and underpasses to protect a wide range of wildlife, including amphibians, badgers, ungulates, invertebrates, and small mammals.

For instance, the Netherlands is home to over 600 wildlife crossings, including the longest one, which spans 800 meters. In North America, both the USA and Canada have also developed wildlife crossings to accommodate a variety of animal species, ranging from small mammals to larger wildlife.

Other countries are also making strides in wildlife crossings. In Oregon and Washington, culverts have been constructed to help fish, such as salmon, navigate streams and rivers safely.

In Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, there are 44 wildlife crossing structures, including 6 overpasses and 38 underpasses. These structures facilitate safe passage for over 11 species of large animals, such as deer, elk, coyotes, wolves, black bears, cougars, and grizzly bears, connecting over 152,000 crossings.

In Norway, efforts are underway to protect various species, including initiatives to support bee populations and other wildlife.

In Oslo, Norway, there is growing concern about the declining bee population. To address this, the city has developed the “bee highway” initiative. Residents, including both adults and children, plant nectar-rich flowers like sunflowers and marigolds and place beehives in various locations throughout the city. These efforts aim to provide bees with essential food and shelter, as they play a critical role in pollination and ecosystem health.

Similarly, in Australia, red crabs face their own challenges and are also in need of conservation efforts.

On Christmas Island in Australia, between October and December, the wet season triggers a mass migration of red crabs. Approximately fifty million crabs leave their shelters and travel towards the sea to lay their eggs. To protect these crabs during their migration, some roads are temporarily closed, and conservationists have constructed a 5-meter-high plastic bridge to help direct them safely across highways.

Similarly, even small species like salamanders receive attention in conservation efforts, highlighting the broad commitment to protecting wildlife across various scales.

In Massachusetts, during rainy spring nights when temperatures exceed 40°F (5°C) and snow begins to melt, hundreds of spotted salamanders emerge from underground and travel to cross Henry Street to reach their breeding grounds. To protect these small salamanders from being hit by cars, conservationists have constructed small underpasses specifically designed for them.

These underpasses have proven effective in helping the salamanders safely cross the road and complete their migration.

Wildlife overpasses, regardless of their size, have demonstrated significant success in protecting animals and enhancing road safety. These structures have become an integral part of highway planning, illustrating how human infrastructure can coexist with wildlife needs.

For instance, the Colorado Department of Transportation has reported an 87% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions following the construction of two overpasses and five underpasses between Silverthorne and Kremmling. This significant decrease underscores the effectiveness of well-designed wildlife crossings in reducing accidents and promoting safer coexistence.

Building wildlife crossings is a complex process that involves collaboration between the public, conservationists, and government agencies. Despite the challenges, it’s encouraging to see that many people are committed to creating harmony between human infrastructure and wildlife needs.

Bonus: In Auckland, New Zealand, efforts are underway to protect blue-feathered korora, or little blue penguins, which face threats from human activity. These penguins, which fish at sea but nest on land, previously had to cross a busy road to reach their nests. To address this, a dedicated group of enthusiasts constructed a tunnel under the road, allowing the penguins to safely travel to and from the sea.

What are your thoughts on wildlife overpasses? Does your country have them? If not, would you support the construction of such crossings? Share your thoughts in the comments!