Wildlife-vehicle crashes not only harm wildlife but are a major threat to driver safety. Annually, in the U.S. there are 1-2 million wildlife-vehicle collisions causing $8 billion in damages and about 200 deaths. Also, roads cause habitat fragmentation, decreasing wildlife’s access to resources and breeding areas. To protect wildlife and humans, it is necessary to locate sites for and build wildlife crossing structures on major roads. 

The New York Wildlife Crossing Act S4198B and A423B directs the DOT and the NYS Thruway Authority to locate sites along all NY highways for wildlife crossings. While Governor Hochul vetoed the Act in December of 2024, we strongly encourage her to support similar legislation in the future because New Yorkers and wildlife deserve safe movement and migration!