![]() Tunnels are considered the best permanent solution.īedminster, Assunpink and Waterloo are all classified as priority sites for critter crossings by a statewide project called “Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey.” But volunteers can’t always be on hand when warm rains trigger a mass migration. It’s really extraordinary,” said Brian Zarate, a biologist with the state’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program.įor years, dedicated volunteers have helped amphibians cross Waterloo Road during the busiest migration nights. “It’s by far the largest number of animals that we know of (crossing a road) in New Jersey. Every spring, thousands of frogs, toads and salamanders awaken from hibernation and cross the road to breed in vernal ponds. Other projects under way, but not yet built, include tunnels under Waterloo Road in Byram Township, Sussex County, near the Musconetcong River. Two tunnels now reconnect fragmented patches of wetland habitat, providing a safe way for animals to move between the wetland areas without touching pavement. The success of the Bedminster tunnels led to a similar project at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in western Monmouth County. Up to 150 animals per days have been spotted using the tunnels at the peak of spring migration. Even small mammals like raccoons, foxes, moles and voles are using them. The tunnels help wood turtles – a threatened species in New Jersey – move from hibernating areas in wetlands along the river to spring breeding grounds on the other side of the road.Īccording to follow-up studies by Montclair State University, the tunnels are also helping other species, including snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and box turtles. Fencing to guide animals into the tunnels was part of the project. The tunnels go under busy River Road, which separates the North Branch of the Raritan River from hundreds of acres of natural area and parkland. Critters don’t do well with cars.įortunately, customized wildlife crossings are under way in several key places in this state we’re in.įor example, five “turtle tunnels” were completed in Bedminster Township, Somerset County, in 2015 – the first of their kind in the state. New Jersey’s vast network of roads with high-speed traffic can be dangerous for small, slow-moving reptiles like turtles and snakes – and for amphibians like salamanders and frogs, and mammals of all sizes. The better question might be: Can she get to the other side? The answer: Only if she’s lucky. This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ADC30 Ecology and Transportation.Why did the turtle cross the road? Probably to look for a place to lay her eggs.Further research is needed to better understand how human presence and traffic volumes might be affecting wildlife use of structures. This trend was also found with wildlife detections and traffic volume. Wildlife and human detections shared an inverse relationship where wildlife detections peaked before and after both peak human detections. Temporal patterns of most species detected were crepuscular, except for bears, elk and raccoons. Carnivores were detected most abundantly at culverts, while ungulate species were detected most profusely at bridges. Results found that certain species of wildlife were detected most often at particular structure types. Temporal aspects of species use of different underpass structures along highways were examined to gain insight to factors potentially influencing the permeability of existing highways and structures. This study focused on analyzing species composition and temporal patterns of wildlife detections at various crossing structures throughout Washington State. To make appropriate management decisions to rectify barriers to wildlife movement and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, it is imperative to understand what, when and where wildlife are using existing highway underpass structures to cross highways safely. ![]() Habitat fragmentation and wildlife-vehicle collisions are among the most noticeable and costly effects. ![]() The impacts of roads on wildlife and the environment has been well documented. Wildlife Use of Highway Underpass Structures in Washington State ![]()
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