Car accidents are a leading cause of death for many animals, including endangered species. Unfortunately, Virginia is no exception to this trend. In recent years, there have been several incidents of car accidents involving endangered species in the state.

One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2019 when a red wolf was hit by a car in Dare County, North Carolina, which is located just across the border from Virginia. The red wolf is one of the most endangered species in the world, with only around 20-30 individuals remaining in the wild. The loss of even one individual can have a significant impact on the species’ survival.

Other endangered species that are at risk of being hit by cars in Virginia include the Virginia northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) and the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). Both of these species are considered “endangered” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and their populations are under threat from a variety of factors, including habitat loss, climate change, and car accidents. The Virginia northern flying squirrel was federally delisted, but is still listed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources as a species of greatest conservation need.  Here is a scientific article to show they were documented in car conflict and the why (they fly lower between habitat fragments across roads).

Other great examples of species are the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), which is under review for being federally listed and is currently a Species of Greatest Conservation Need and eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), which is not federally listed, but a Species of Greatest Conservation Need and dramatically impacted by vehicle conflict in VA. 

To help protect these and other endangered species, it’s important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to slow down in areas where wildlife is known to be present. Additionally, wildlife crossings and other infrastructure improvements can help reduce the risk of car accidents involving endangered species.

WILDLIFE CROSSINGS WOULD ONLY HELP VIRGINIA ENDANGERED SPECIES

Wildlife crossings in Virginia are structures that help animals safely cross roads, highways, and other transportation infrastructure. These crossings can take many forms, including overpasses, underpasses, and tunnels. They are designed to protect both wildlife and motorists, reducing the risk of collisions that can cause injury or death to both humans and animals.

In Virginia, wildlife crossings have become increasingly important as the state’s population has grown and transportation infrastructure has expanded. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has implemented several wildlife crossings in recent years, and was awarded over $600,000 to continue Virginia’s work on wildlife crossings and corridors. This will add to the Rt 17 crossing in Chesapeake and the two culvert crossings built in Fairfax. 

VDOT also works with conservation groups and other stakeholders to identify areas where wildlife crossings are needed and to design and construct them, which Wild Virginia is leading as a part of the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative. These efforts have helped to reduce the number of collisions between vehicles and wildlife, while also preserving and protecting Virginia’s rich biodiversity.

Overall, wildlife crossings are an important tool for promoting safe and sustainable transportation, while also protecting Virginia’s wildlife and natural resources. By working together, we can help ensure that these animals have a fighting chance at survival.

WILD VIRGINIA’S HABITAT CONNECTIVITY HUB

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-Discover high-risk zones for wildlife-vehicle conflict
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Not only do we include this important information on reducing wildlife-vehicle conflict, but we incorporate tools to help identify areas for better land protection, corridors, and aquatic connectivity needs to benefit all communities, especially those underserved.