Wildlife crossings are increasingly becoming one of the most effective ways to protect both motorists and animals on busy highways, and Oregon and Utah are among the US states leading the effort. Together, the two states have more than 130 wildlife crossings, including overpasses, underpasses and culverts that allow animals to safely cross roads while reducing dangerous vehicle collisions. Their success comes as four states—Utah, Oregon, Idaho and Virginia—advanced new measures in 2026 to make it easier to fund and expand wildlife crossing infrastructure. Conservationists say these projects not only save wildlife but also reduce injuries, deaths and billions of dollars in economic losses caused by wildlife-vehicle crashes.
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