Wildlife Crossings Reduce Collisions, Aid Habitat
Why this is here: The $1.134 billion in requested funding for the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program demonstrates a strong need for resources to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions and address habitat fragmentation across the country.
Vehicle collisions with animals cause significant mortality and habitat fragmentation in the U.S. Between one and two million collisions with large animals occur annually, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Twenty-one threatened or endangered species are impacted by road mortality.
The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program (WCPP), authorized in 2021, funded 15 wildlife crossing projects and 20 related research projects. Demand for WCPP funding—approximately $1.134 billion—greatly exceeded the available $350 million.
Currently, 26 states have introduced legislation regarding wildlife corridors and crossings. New Mexico recently allocated $50 million for wildlife crossing projects. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in California, slated for completion in 2026, will be the world’s largest wildlife crossing and aims to connect mountain lion populations.