January 3, 2025

Federal Grant Secures $25 Million for Wildlife Crossings in Eastern North Carolina

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News Summary

A $25 million federal grant has been awarded for constructing wildlife crossings along U.S. 64 in Eastern North Carolina. This initiative aims to protect the endangered red wolf and reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions, with 13 targeted crossings planned to improve animal safety as heavy traffic increases the risk of accidents. The project, supported by local conservation efforts, seeks to reduce collisions by up to 90% as red wolf populations face serious threats from road fatalities.

Federal Grant Secures $25 Million for Wildlife Crossings in Eastern North Carolina

In a decisive move to protect the endangered red wolf and mitigate vehicle-wildlife collisions, a substantial $25 million federal grant has been awarded for the construction of wildlife crossings along U.S. 64 in Eastern North Carolina. This funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, with the North Carolina Department of Transportation set to formalize its receipt.

Tragic Toll on Red Wolf Population

The necessity of these wildlife crossings has been underscored by the alarming mortality rate among red wolves due to vehicle strikes. Since September 2023, three red wolves have been killed on U.S. 64, bringing a grim focus to the urgency of the situation. Currently, only 16 known red wolves are living freely in the wild on the Albemarle Peninsula, with a large concentration residing near the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, a region that U.S. 64 bisects.

The Highway’s Burden

U.S. 64 is a vital route connecting travelers to the Outer Banks, averaging 11,800 vehicles per day on weekends and 6,600 on weekdays. Such heavy traffic significantly increases the risk of accidents involving wildlife. Data indicates that there have been 45 documented vehicle-wildlife collisions on this stretch between 1990 and 2024. Alarmingly, the actual number of collisions may be much higher, with 43 involving black bears and others regarding deer and unidentified large animals.

Scope of the Wildlife Crossings Project

This new project aims to construct 13 targeted wildlife crossings, specifically designed to allow safe passage for various animal species. Among the planned crossings, one is particularly notable as it will be large enough to accommodate black bears, while two structures will cater to large mammals, including red wolves and deer. The remaining crossings will assist smaller wildlife, such as small mammals, snakes, and turtles, becoming a crucial component in reducing vehicle-wildlife encounters.

Conservation Efforts Gain Momentum

Collaborative efforts between the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were pivotal in securing this significant grant. The initiative has also gained support from the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina, showcasing a unified local commitment to wildlife conservation. Remarkably, conservation groups have generated an additional $4 million towards this cause, demonstrating widespread support for wildlife preservation efforts in the region.

Potential Impact of Wildlife Crossings

Experts believe that these wildlife crossings could potentially reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions by as much as 90%. This is crucial given the findings that since September 2019, at least 15 red wolves were found on or north of U.S. 64, and seven were killed by vehicles during this period. It’s deeply concerning that some evidence even suggests red wolves might have been purposefully struck.

The Plight of the Red Wolf

The plight of the red wolf has been a significant concern since their reintroduction to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in 1987. The population has plummeted from over 100 wolves to fewer than 20 currently surviving in the wild. Gunshot mortality was a major factor affecting their numbers from 2012 to 2020. However, with reduced gunshot deaths, vehicle-related incidents have taken precedence as a leading cause of mortality among these magnificent animals.

Future Prospects for Recovery

The construction of these crossings is just one part of a larger strategy aimed at enhancing red wolf populations and facilitating future reintroduction efforts beyond their current habitat. There are aspirations to eventually explore reestablishing populations in other areas, such as South Carolina, providing a glimmer of hope for the survival of this iconic species.