Bridging the wild: Campaign pushes for crossings to curb animal collisions

(InvestigateTV) — According to the Federal Highway istration, there are more than one million wildlife vehicle collisions in the U.S. each year.

Steve Blackledge, the Wildlife and Conservation Campaigns Director for Environment America, said these incidents put people, animals, and drivers at risk — and can sometimes be deadly.

“This is serious!” Blackledge said. “Like 26,000 injuries to humans as a result of this! And eight billion dollars worth of property damage to your cars.”

Environment America is pushing for improved public safety by building more wildlife crossings nationwide.

Blackledge said examples include culverts and underground tunnels — but noted there are many other types as well.

“So many different forms,” he shared. “In the biggest form it’s a good-sized bridge, up and over a busy road or a freeway and it’s covered with rocks and grass and shrubs, so it looks natural to the animals. And they see it and they learn really quick to start using it.”

This year, Environment America has taken their campaign to lawmakers, highlighting the issue and urging federal for additional wildlife crossings. A survey conducted by the organization found strong public , with 90% of respondents in favor of building these crossings.

According to Blackledge, there’s currently a federal grant program available to states to fund these projects.

“We’re seeing that people want this back in the states,” he said. “That money will expire here in a year or two, at the end of 2026, and so, we want to make sure that congress understands these programs work and that they pony up more money because it’s effective.”

While some people may initially balk at tax dollars ing these crossings, Blackledge points out that they reduce fatalities and injuries.

“So, it’s just an effective way that we can protect ourselves, protect wildlife and reconnect natural who need to get across the way in some manner,” he explained.

In the meantime, Blackledge cautioned drivers to stay alert. Animals are most active at dusk and nighttime hours, so keep an eye out for critters and slow down during those times.

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