Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Mitigation for Safer Wildlife Movement across Highways: State Route 260

摘要: Researchers investigated wildlife-highway relationships in central Arizona from 2002 to 2008 along a 17-mile stretch of State Route (SR) 260, which is being reconstructed 5 phases and will have 11 wildlife underpasses 6 bridges. Phased reconstruction allowed researchers use before-after-control experimental approach their research. The objectives the project were to: assess compare (UPs); evaluate highway permeability movements among classes; characterize wildlife-vehicle collision (WVC) patterns changes with reconstruction; traffic volume WVCs, crossing patterns, UP use; role ungulate-proof fencing use, permeability. used video surveillance UPs, at 15,134 animals species recorded; 67.5% crossed through UPs. Modeling found that structure type placement was most important factor influencing probability successful crossings by elk (Cervus elaphus) Coues whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry tracking 100 13 white-tailed Elk on sections 39% lower than controls, while 433% higher sections. elk-vehicle (EVC) rate fenced same as before-reconstruction levels, but unfenced EVC nearly 4 times higher. In addition safer more environmentally friendly highway, economic benefit reduced EVCs SR 260 averaged $2 million/year since completion 3