How many times have you come across a dead animal along the side of the road that another driver has hit? Animals are killed every day by drivers when they try to cross simple streets or even major highways to get to the other side; to the rest of their habitat. Human beings are also hurt and even killed by these accidents. This comes from roads infringing on animal habitat and dividing up the land. It makes it difficult on the animals, especially when their homes become smaller, the resources to live become less, and the unfamiliarity of man-made machines. The fragmentation of the habitat at ground level is what causes the majority of the road crossings. The resources of the animals have decreased. Roads were built right on and thru these animals’ habitats and they are suffering as a result of it.

            Efforts are now being made to retrofit stretches of roads with wildlife corridors. These corridors are supposed to guide the animals off the road and even to an area that allows them to cross if they wish to. It is an infrastructure being put into place to protect both the wildlife and human beings. Some are complaining of the costs of retrofitting the roads; but it is said better late than never as with other projects in the past like superfund cleanups. It is a good measure to be taken because it will decrease the slaughter of animals and increase the safety of people on the roads. Wildlife corridors need to be taken into consideration and be put into every new road plan for the future.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090623/OPINION/906230307/Wildlife-corridors-needed

http://www.effinghamherald.net/news/article/7503/