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10 of the Coolest Wildlife Crossings on the Planet

4 min read

Inspiring People
10 of the Coolest Wildlife Crossings on the Planet
Source: Instagram/rutgerdenhertog

With a new wildlife crossing unveiled in the Utah this month, we scoured the internet for some more amazing examples of creature-crossings from around the world.

Ten interesting wildlife crossings from around the world

As the humans species spread around the planet, we have built an expansive network of roads and travel routes, often right through the middle of pristine wilderness. While these roadways allow us to travel virtually anywhere, animals can often get caught in the middle of the road and get hurt or killed. To remedy this problem, engineers have begun building ‘animal bridges’ across highways to help wildlife cross safely. Check out 10 of the coolest and most interesting wildlife crossings from across the globe. This short list is far from comprehensive and is in no particular order. Added at the bottom are a couple of bonus videos of other animal-assists you may not have heard of.

In Utah, this wildlife crossing over a six-lane intersection saves hundreds of animals' lives every year. Previously known as
1. This wildlife crossing lets local animals cross six-lane intersection with ease In Utah, this wildlife crossing over a six-lane intersection saves hundreds of animals’ lives every year. Previously known as “Slaughter Row”, this section of the highway is a lot less dangerous for the local fauna today. Source: Atlas Obscura/Twitter
The A50 highway runs almost completely through the Netherlands, with traffic speeds reaching upwards of 50 MPH, hitting animals would cause serious injury. This crossing funnels the local wildlife safely across the highway.
2. Highway A50 in the Netherlands The A50 highway runs almost completely through the Netherlands, with traffic speeds reaching upwards of 50 MPH, hitting animals would cause serious injury. This crossing funnels the local wildlife safely across the highway. Source: Instagram/rutgerdenhertog
Christmas Island is home to thousands of crabs that migrate each year, and this crab bridge was built in a rather intriguing shape. Crabs are obviously much different than other wildlife, so this bridge was built to maximize the ability of traffic to pass underneath while still providing viable passage for crabs.
3. Crab bridge on Christmas Island, Australia. Christmas Island is home to thousands of crabs that migrate each year, and this crab bridge was built in a rather intriguing shape. Crabs are obviously much different than other wildlife, so this bridge was built to maximize the ability of traffic to pass underneath while still providing viable passage for crabs. Source: Faulkner Photography
Not content with seemingly over-engineering crab bridges, Australia's Christmas Island also has specially designed red crab transit tunnels. As you can see from the above image, these diminutive little crustaceans appear to love the idea. Parks
4. Australia’s Christmas Island also has red crab tunnels Not content with seemingly over-engineering crab bridges, Australia’s Christmas Island also has specially designed red crab transit tunnels. As you can see from the above image, these diminutive little crustaceans appear to love the idea. Parks Source: Australia/Pinterest
UK has actual toad tunnels In Powys, Mid Wales, UK, authorities have actually designed and built a series of
5. The toad tunnels of Powys in Mid Wales. UK has actual toad tunnels In Powys, Mid Wales, UK, authorities have actually designed and built a series of “toad tunnels” to allow small animals, like amphibians, to cross busy roads safely. Source: arbroath
Kenya is also getting in on the act. They have, in certain locations, built specialised animal underpasses for animals such as elephants to use safely.
6. Kenya has special elephant underpasses Kenya is also getting in on the act. They have, in certain locations, built specialised animal underpasses for animals such as elephants to use safely. Source: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy/YouTube
In Japan, they have specially designed
7. “Turtle Tunnel” in Japan. In Japan, they have specially designed “Turtle Tunnels” for these venerable reptiles underneath their train tracks. This is, frankly, adorable. Source: soranews24
Keechelus lake is part of the Columbia River Basin where Interstate 90 runs along most of the shoreline. This location is rich in natural beauty, and protecting nature is at the forefront of the engineers in the area.
8. Keechelus Lake, Washington, USA Keechelus lake is part of the Columbia River Basin where Interstate 90 runs along most of the shoreline. This location is rich in natural beauty, and protecting nature is at the forefront of the engineers in the area. Source: DJC
This wildlife crossing is probably the least aesthetically pleasing on the list, but it gets the job done. Spanning across Interstate 78 in New Jersey, this overgrown crossing keeps cars from striking animals and causing deadly wrecks.
9. Interstate 78, New Jersey, USA This wildlife crossing is probably the least aesthetically pleasing on the list, but it gets the job done. Spanning across Interstate 78 in New Jersey, this overgrown crossing keeps cars from striking animals and causing deadly wrecks. Source: Doug Kerr/Wikimedia Commons
A beautiful 'Ecoduct' arched crossing passing over the B38 highway in Germany. This crossing does not sport edges to keep the animals from falling, although the naturalistic approach is enough to keep people and wildlife safe.
10. B38 in Birkenau, Germany A beautiful ‘Ecoduct’ arched crossing passing over the B38 highway in Germany. This crossing does not sport edges to keep the animals from falling, although the naturalistic approach is enough to keep people and wildlife safe. Source: KlausFoehl/Wikimedia Commons

Spectacular Wildlife Overpass Stunning wildlife ? overpass, built to reconnect parts of a nature reserve in the Netherlands Source: Facebook/BrightVibes
11. Blue Penguin Underpass, Oamaru The blue penguins are happily taking to their new underpass - the first of its kind in New Zealand! This underpass helps provide safe passage for the penguins from the harbour to their nests across the busy road. To monitor the use of the passage, we set up a few cameras. With a little light at the end of the tunnel to guide the way, the little blues just waddle on through! Source: Facebook/OamaruBluePenguinColony
Source: YouTube/US Department of Energy

Make an Impact

10 WAYS TO HELP WILDLIFE

In the face of species loss and habitat destruction, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless to improve things. But any action you take, no matter how small, will help restore the world to its natural balance. If millions of other people do the same, there's hope that we can permanently reverse current trends. Here are 10 things you can do to help wildlife, ranging from keeping your cat indoors to contributing to reputable wildlife preservation organisations.