The idea of an animal bridge might seem to be something dreamt up from the mind of a Studio Ghibli film or a child’s imagination, but if you look to the University of Montana, the idea of an animal bridge might just become a reality.
Researchers and engineers at the University of Montana have been conducting investigations into the amount of animals being killed on the roads and the cost of not only animal life, but also of the impact it has on clean-up and car costs.
Their solution? To start building more overpasses and underpasses for animals to navigate their way safely through, particularly in areas of road that pass through sheltered habitats such as forests and woods. The researchers found that while animals were losing their lives during the early periods of road development through their areas, they soon became accustomed to the traffic and used other methods to help cross the roads.
Therefore, researchers argue, building the overpasses and underpasses where animals pass more freely and safely, means that it’s possible for animals to cross without risk of being injured or killed, and the human cost will remain extremely low. Hence, an animal bridge, of sorts.
It sounds almost too good to be true, but having the prospect of more animals saved and thriving, without risk to human life, is something worth investigating. What do you think about the animal bridge?
