Colorado wildlife overpass cuts vehicle-animal collisions by 91%, report finds
Elk, bear, frogs and other animals have used the overpass, which connects 39,000 acres of habitat, since its completion.
TL;DR
- The wildlife overpass in Colorado has reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by 91% since its completion 10 months ago.
- The overpass is part of a system that includes miles of fencing and five wildlife underpasses.
- Before the system, there was an average of one wildlife-vehicle crash per day in the corridor.
- The overpass spans six lanes of traffic, connecting 39,000 acres of habitat.
- Animals observed using the overpass include elk, bears, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, and northern leopard frogs.
- The project received $22 million in federal funding and $8 million from the state, but was completed for $15 million.
- Similar wildlife crossings are being built across the US to protect habitats and reduce accidents.