North Carolina has approved a major investment to protect animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. The state's General Assembly has set aside $10.2 million for wildlife crossings and related strategies. This funding will be provided every two years, creating a permanent source for these efforts.
This builds on a $2 million fund established in 2023, which was the state's first dedicated money for wildlife crossings. North Carolina now joins states like Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon in funding structures such as overpasses and underpasses for animals.
Making Roads Safer for Wildlife and People
Since 2017, the Safe Passage Coalition has worked to improve safety on mountain highways in North Carolina and Tennessee. This group includes nearly 20 federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit organizations.
We're a new kind of news feed.
Regular news is designed to drain you. We're a non-profit built to restore you. Every story we publish is scored for impact, progress, and hope.
Start Your News DetoxThe coalition first focused on the Pigeon River Gorge, where I-40 crosses a vital wildlife corridor. This area is important for animals like black bears, elk, bobcats, and deer. They move between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests.
Nikki Robinson of Wildlands Network said this funding is a historic, statewide effort. It aims to make roads safer for people and protect North Carolina's wildlife and natural heritage. Jill Gottesman from The Wilderness Society added that they look forward to implementing projects that make transportation safer and more connected for both people and animals.
Protecting North Carolina's Diverse Wildlife
North Carolina is one of the most biologically diverse states. Areas like Great Smoky Mountains National Park are home to many different species. However, as roads and development expand, animals often have to cross busy highways, which puts them at risk.
Jeff Hunter, Southern Appalachian Director for the National Parks Conservation Association, explained that animals need space to roam. When they wander onto roads, the results can be dangerous.
In the U.S., there are up to 2 million collisions between vehicles and wildlife each year. These accidents cause billions of dollars in damage and can lead to loss of life. North Carolina ranks 12th highest for these collisions, with over 62,000 reported between 2021 and 2023.
Wildlife crossings, such as overpasses and underpasses, are a proven way to prevent these accidents. They can reduce collisions by up to 90% and help connect fragmented habitats, allowing animals to travel safely.
Tim Gestwicki with the North Carolina Wildlife Federation noted that these crossings save lives by reducing dangerous collisions. They also reconnect habitats vital for the long-term survival of many native species. He thanked the General Assembly for recognizing these projects as smart investments in both public safety and conservation.
