Preventing Roadkill to Protect Species

Collectively, it’s up to all of us

Lately, statistics about the loss of animal life, and biodiversity, in general, have hit alarm bells. It is estimated that we have drastically reduced the number of animals since the 1970s. Populations in many places are down seventy percent.

In many regions, extinction has hit hard and accelerated as warming continues.

No one has exact counts of animal strikes. We do know that most roadkill affects smaller animals, such as squirrels, raccoons, and cats.

At the same time, more reports are made on larger species such as deer and moose because they cause the most damage to vehicles and property as well as usually killing the animal.

A bridge to the future

Building animal crossing corridors, including overpasses and culverts, and tunnels can help. Having well-planned fencing in those places where animals have breaks in order to get through is also very crucial.

For example, brambles, thickets, and natural barriers such as stream beds and gulches can work just as well to keep out criminals and human thieves, but they do not restrict animals in the same ways. That is, there is no need to put in excessive, or injurious fencing.

When animals have no options to get across roads, they are very often innocent victims of our gas-guzzling habits.

In some places such as the far north, herders are using reflective paint to help drivers spot animals before collisions occur.

Actual bridges, as well as innovations such as this, are an important bridge to the future for life on Earth.

What to do as individuals

There are also things that each of us can do to save diversity — and ultimately, ourselves. We hear almost daily now, that without natural biodiversity we face disease, social dysfunction, and death.

What each person can do to reduce the number of needless death matters now more than ever before.

If you can, lower lights to keep animals less confused when they are migrating or on the road. This is also true with our homes.

If you travel or work, at night, particularly, arrange your schedule to drive less when it is dark.

Should you come across a wounded animal have a small towel or blanket, to pick them up and at least get him/her off of the road. This is also useful to help move any slow movers — such as a turtle , or juvenile— to get them out of harm’s way.

Expand your roadside first aid kit to include basics for rescue if possible.

If you must drive at night, slow down.

SLOW DOWN.

If you live in an area that promotes volunteer work, such as wildlife corridors, help out. Donate, if possible.

Support sustaining habitat.

Vote on your values.

Teach children about animals, and tell their teachers to emphasize not just sustainable ecosystems, but the importance of compassion.

Tell others about the plight of animals.

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This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.

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