Animal advocates urge Hochul to approve Wildlife Crossings Act

Animal and environmental rights groups are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a bill into law that would increase the prevalence of wildlife crossings on New York roadways. The Wildlife Crossings Act, which passed with wide bipartisan support, aims to reduce vehicle and animal collisions, ultimately saving money and lives.

According to Brian Shapiro, the New York director of the Humane Society of the United States, there are over 65,000 vehicle accidents involving deer in the state each year, and more than 1 million nationwide. These accidents result in over $8 billion in related damages and medical costs. Shapiro emphasized the importance of taking advantage of available federal funds to implement wildlife crossings, as many other states have already done.

The legislation, if signed into law, will not create an unfunded mandate. Instead, it allows New York to utilize federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $350 million for the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. The state Department of Transportation and the state Thruway Authority would use these funds to identify areas for potential wildlife crossings.

State departments will survey highways, thruways, and parkways across New York to determine the best locations for wildlife crossings. These crossings, which can take the form of bridges, tunnels, or fencing around existing culverts, aim to protect the natural habitat and reduce collisions between vehicles and wildlife.

Shapiro highlighted the benefits of wildlife crossings, stating that they not only reduce collisions and risks to motorists but also save money in the long run. By providing alternate paths for animals to safely cross roadways, wildlife crossings can help preserve genetic diversity and promote the survival of various species.

States like Florida and California, as well as other countries, have successfully implemented wildlife crossings for years. J.P. Rose, policy director with the Center for Biological Diversity’s Urban Wildlands Program in California, praised the effectiveness of crossings in his state, noting that they have reduced collisions by up to 90% and improved wildlife’s genetic diversity.

In conclusion, the push for increased wildlife crossings in New York is gaining momentum, with advocates emphasizing the importance of protecting both animals and motorists. By signing the Wildlife Crossings Act into law, Governor Hochul has the opportunity to enhance public safety, preserve natural habitats, and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.