North Carolina lawmakers have approved a groundbreaking budget allocation of $10.2 million every two years to fund wildlife crossings, including overpasses and underpasses, designed to reduce collisions and keep animals safe across the Great Smoky Mountains region.
- Permanent $10.2 million funding for wildlife crossings established.
- Crossings reduce vehicle collisions with animals by up to 90%.
- Supports iconic wildlife like black bears, elk, and bobcats in Great Smokies.
What happened
The North Carolina General Assembly has approved a historic funding measure that will allocate $10.2 million every two years to build wildlife crossings and implement related mitigation strategies. This follows a landmark initial appropriation of $2 million in 2023 to create the state's first dedicated fund for these projects. With this new permanent source of funding, North Carolina joins a select group of states investing in infrastructure that helps wildlife safely cross busy highways.
The initiative is supported by the Safe Passage Coalition, a group that includes federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit organizations focused on improving safety for both people and animals along mountain highways. Their efforts began in 2017 around the Pigeon River Gorge area, a critical wildlife corridor where Interstate 40 crosses important habitats within and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Why it feels good
The Great Smoky Mountains region is home to rich biodiversity, including animals such as black bears, elk, bobcats, and white-tailed deer that need to traverse fragmented habitats. Roads historically pose significant dangers, often resulting in wildlife-vehicle collisions. With North Carolina ranked 12th nationally for these incidents, the investment in crossings is considered a crucial step toward reducing accidents and fatalities for both animals and drivers.
Wildlife crossings provide a proven solution, reducing collisions by as much as 90%, and preserving the natural movement patterns essential for animal survival. Beyond safety, these structures reconnect habitats divided by roads, protecting the ecological integrity and natural heritage of the state—benefiting both current populations and future generations.
What to enjoy or watch next
As the funded projects roll out, expect to see new overpasses and underpasses designed specifically for wildlife across key corridors in the Great Smoky Mountains area. These efforts will be closely watched as models for similar investments in other regions facing the challenge of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
Inspired by North Carolina’s leadership, other states and communities may increase their commitments to conservation and public safety through wildlife crossings. Keeping an eye on these developments provides hope and encouragement for protecting wildlife while fostering safer travel for everyone sharing the road.