Evaluation of Measures to Minimize Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions and Maintain Permeability Across Highways: Arizona Route 260

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Evaluation of Measures to Minimize Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions and Maintain Permeability Across Highways: Arizona Route 260

N. L. Dodd / J. W. Gagnon / S. Boe / A. Manzo / R. E. Schweinsburg

The authors conducted wildlife-highway relationships research from 2002-2006 along a 17-mile stretch of State Route 260 in Arizona which is being reconstructed in five phases with 11 wildlife underpasses and 6 bridges. Reconstruction phasing allowed us to use a before-after-control experimental approach in our research. The objectives of our research were; (1) Assess and compare wildlife use of underpasses. (2) Evaluate highway permeability and wildlife movements among reconstruction classes. (3) Characterize wildlife-vehicle collision patterns and changes with reconstruction. (4) Assess relationships among highway traffic volume and wildlife vehicle collisions, elk crossing patterns, and wildlife use of underpasses. (5) Assess the role that ungulate-proof fencing plays in wildlife vehicle collisions, wildlife use of underpasses, and wildlife permeability. (6) Provide ongoing highway reconstruction implementation guidance. We used video surveillance to assess and compare wildlife use of five underpasses at which we recorded 8,455 animals and 11 different species; 5,560 of these animals (65.8%) crossed through the underpass. We employed Global Positioning System telemetry to assess highway permeability across SR 260, with 65 elk fitted with receiver collars. Elk crossed State Route 260 5,749 times.