01/10/07 Animal Cross Walks

Where I live animals must cross a busy highway to reach a major water source meaning when we have heavy snow fall or drought this stretch of road becomes a death trap for both wildlife and drivers. A few years back when traveling through Banff I remember being impressed with Elk underpasses that allowed the big animals access to game trails without crossing highways so I was thrilled to learn Arizona is now the first state to implement an electronic wildlife crossing system designed to keep both animals and drivers safe. It is being tested outside of Payson and if it is effective I am sure other states will jump on the bandwagon . Using inexpensive electric fences to guide wildlife to underpass crossings and then military grade software and infrared cameras to warn motorists through sensors that trigger warning signs, this new wildlife crosswalk system is expected to significantly reduce accidents. It is interesting to note that areas like Banff, that have installed wildlife underpasses even without driver warnings report over 80 percent reduction in animals being hit. .