The Need for Construction of Wildlife Crossings in Massachusetts

Presenter: Christian Thomas Jean

Faculty Sponsor: Heather Ruel

School: Holyoke Community College

Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability

Session: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM, Auditorium, A48

ABSTRACT

Roads and highways negatively impact animals through habitat loss and fragmentation. This disrupts animal movement and even social structures, as most animals will avoid these areas altogether. Implementing more wildlife crossings in Massachusetts is necessary to reduce vehicle collisions and fatalities for both human and animal populations. According to The Center for Large Landscape Conservation, “Reported collisions between motorists and wildlife cause more than 200 human fatalities and over 26,000 injuries each year, at an annual cost to Americans of more than $8 billion. These crossings can reduce the cost of animal-vehicle collisions and save lives."
These crossings are also economically beneficial, as most resources that are used for these collisions can now be redirected elsewhere to benefit taxpayers. By educating the public, the issue of wildlife crossings can gain support for funding, improving public safety and protecting wildlife. This infrastructure also pays for itself after a few decades through harm reduction and less resources being required. Several case studies have already demonstrated that strategically placed nature crossings with the right protections can significantly reduce collisions. Huijser et al. claim that “Wildlife crossing structures that guide animals over or under our nation’s highways reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 97% when placed in areas of known wildlife movement."
While wildlife crossings may require tailoring to the needs of specific species, or engineering due to geographic constraints, the basics of construction remain the same. Tunnels, overpasses, and proper fencing reconnect fragmented habitats and allow animal populations to thrive alongside highway infrastructure.

RELATED ABSTRACTS