A newly constructed wildlife overpass in Colorado has proven highly effective in reconnecting fragmented habitats, with officials documenting elk, bears, pronghorn, and even frogs using the bridge to safely cross a major highway. Since its completion, the structure has drastically reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by nearly 90%, serving as a critical component of a broader system that includes fencing and underpasses. The project highlights innovative efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts while preserving vital migration corridors.
Elk, bear, frogs and other animals have used the overpass, which connects 39,000 acres of habitat, since its completionColorado officials have tracked herds of elk, bears, pronghorn and even northern leopard frogs ambling across its new wildlife overpass. According to a newly released report, the overpass, which acts as a bridge over a busy stretch of interstate, has helped cut wildlife-vehicle collisions by 91% since its completion 10 months ago.The overpass is the centerpiece of a larger system built by the state to assist wildlife crossing the highway, which also includes miles of 8-ft tall fencing and five large wildlife underpasses. Continue reading...
