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2017 Spring | Education & Outreach, Natural Science & Restoration

Wildlife Connectivity: How to get Bambi Across the Road

Student(s):

Amy Haymond

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Jen Watkins

Partner(s):

  • Conservation Northwest

Faculty advisor(s):

Laura Prugh, College of the Environment, University of Washington

Wildlife and vehicle collisions are a common occurrence across Washington highways. The focus of this project is to understand the primary causes for collisions and how collisions could be mitigated. As part of my research, I worked with Conservation Northwest (NW) to assess river/highway intersections that could serve as corridors for wildlife to move safely underneath highways in the Chehalis river basin. Through data and literary analysis, I determined how to choose locations, determine the best design for under/over pass construction, or implement improvements to existing structures; of which ultimately reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions, and assist in maintaining widespread ecosystem functions.