Texas builds 32 wildlife crossings to protect 26 species, including endangered ocelots
Texas has built 32 animal crossings under highways across the state, with 21 of those in South Texas built to protect endangered ocelots. The crossings are mostly concrete tunnels that connect existing wildlife paths under highways. They prevent crashes that hurt animals and drivers. TxDOT Environmental Specialist John Young Jr. said monitoring shows the crossings work for multiple species. In August 2023, TxDOT applied for federal grant funding from the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program for two more crossings to protect ocelots. The program is part of the 1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which made 350 million available over 5 years for wildlife crossing construction.
The crossings protect endangered ocelots, whose only remaining U.S. population lives in deep South Texas, and reduce crashes that injure drivers and wildlife across 26 documented species.
Source: TxDOT wildlife crossings keeping animals safe (txdot.gov).
Written by the HappyGood desk from the primary source linked above and checked against it. Every story links its source. Corrections: [email protected].
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