Wildlife crossings are paths that help animals safely travel across busy roads. They protect animals from cars and help many different species survive, which is important for keeping ecosystems healthy and strong. When there are more types of plants and animals in an ecosystem, it can handle changes, like climate change, much better.

Let’s Learn About:

Overpasses

Bridges that go over the road, often covered with grass and trees to make animals feel safe!

Aerial photo of Banff National Park land bridge that connects two halves of a dark dense forest.

Underpasses

Tunnels that go under the road, perfect for smaller animals like turtles and frogs.

Aerial photo of a 2 lane highway with multiple large scale culverts passing beneath. There are dense forests on either side of the road.

By the end of today, you’ll learn how these crossings keep animals safe and have the chance to build your very own wildlife crossing prototype!

Animal crossing prototype build with the Climate Action Kit components. The base plate is elevated with the 4 short green frames to create a tunnel and an overpass. There is an entry to the bridge where the sonar sensor, solar sensor, and breakout board are attached. There is a gate to the tunnel that is attached to a positional servo motor.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDGs are 17 goals created by the United Nations to make the world a better place. This project is connected to goals 9, 11, and 15!

With wildlife crossings, we can:

  • Continue to build human structures, like roads, while considering their impact on the environment and wildlife.
  • Help animals move safely across roads, while also protecting and restoring their natural habitats.
United Nations Sustainable Development goal number 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
United Nations Sustainable Development goal number 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities
United Nation Sustainable Development Goal number 15, Life on Land