Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions and Mitigation

Background

1. Over 1 million collisions annually

   1. Cause mortality in almost 25000 animals and 200 people each year

2. 51522 WVC recorded in TX between 2010-2016

   1. Most in rural roads, high speed limits

   2. Deading cause of mortality for ocelots in South Texas

3. Some species cross roadways during daily pursuit of meals

   1. Grey squirrels, white-tailed deer

   2. Others only cross during migration (Mule deer, pronghorn, black bears, moose)

Mitigation history

1. Infrastructure investment and jobs act of 2021

   1. Federal highway administration created wildlife crossing pilot program

   2. $125 million in grants during FY24-25

2. Lead to increased construction of wildlife crossing structures

3. Used for a variety of species

   1. Terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Tools for mitigation

1. Structures;

   1. Underpasses/Wildlife benches

      1. Can include wildlife benches

      2. Often paired with fences to prevent animals from getting onto roads

      3. Utilize game cameras to conduct studies to monitor usage and effectiveness

   2. Tunnels

      1. Habitat is continuous from one side of the roadway to another

      2. Largest crossing structure allowing the widest variety of species

      3. Single or double tunnel

      4. Often cut through mountains or hills

      5. Also known as landscape bridges

   3. Culverts

      1. Allows reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species to cross roadways

      2. Come in a variety of shapes and materials

   4. Overpasses

      1. Allow animals to cross over the roads

      2. Similar to tunnels but not as wide

      3. Can also be modified to work for humans wildlife

   5. Drift fences

   6. Fences

   7. Cattle guards

      1. Paired with fences to prevent animals from going around

      2. Used for ungulates and smaller animals

      3. Sometimes include culverts or modified drainages underneath to allow small animals to get out

   8. Animal detection systems

2. Used individually or in combination

Animal detection systems

1. Sensors used to detect animals and activate signage to alert drivers

   1. Infrared, thermal, motion-activated

2. Usually used for larger animals

Implementation

1. Shown high crash reduction (fencing + cattle guard highest crash reduction)

2. In texas, 32 crossing with 21 being for ocelots

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