Dear John,
We like to talk about wildlife crossings as a win-win-win.
Animals win because they are not injured or killed by cars, and they can safely cross a road in search of a new habitat or a mate.
People win because we no longer risk collisions with moose and other large animals, preventing totaled cars and costly and dangerous injuries.
And the public at large wins because less wildlife-vehicle collisions mean less societal costs associated with those collisions, more robust and stable wildlife populations, and safer roadways for motorists and highway patrols who respond to collisions.
There are so many other wins for our society: landscapes win because they are reconnected and allowed to flourish; future generations win from seeing and experiencing more wildlife; and the media wins with interesting positive conservation stories to cover. It is hard to stop there with all the benefits crossings provide! They truly are an all-around win, for everyone.
