Fund the study and creation of wildlife crossings (New Mexico)

Signed into law by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), the Wildlife Corridors Act (S.B. 72) will establish a wildlife corridor fund to be administered by New Mexico’s Department of Transportation. This important wildlife protection and public safety legislation was sponsored by Senator Mimi Stewart (D-17) and co-sponsored by Senator Carrie Hamblen (D-38). Wildlife crossings – like overpasses and underpasses – create safe road crossings to protect wildlife, improve public safety, save state costs, increase biodiversity, and improve climate resiliency.

Nationwide, there are approximately one million wildlife-vehicle collisions per year. In addition to the animal’s suffering that can result from these collisions, there may also be a significant cost to the state in the form of removal and disposal or wildlife rehabilitation. Establishing wildlife crossings would prevent the death of thousands of animals each year and protect people from injuries and fatalities, especially from collisions that involve deer, bears, or other large animals.

Approximately 86 million Americans participate in some form of wildlife viewing, spending $75 billion on expenses related to these activities in 2016. Establishing safe wildlife corridors will help facilitate related recreational activities, such as wildlife watching, that bring enjoyment to residents and attract tourists.

Additionally, wildlife crossings and other forms of habitat connectivity could be key in ensuring more diverse and climate resilient habitats. Ensuring species’ access to their full preferred home ranges can help build climate resilience and improve biodiversity. Wildlife crossings, such as bridges, tunnels, and culverts with enough capacity to mitigate flooding, can also improve resiliency to extreme weather caused by climate change.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund strongly supports S.B. 72 and the creation of wildlife corridors. To learn more about New Mexico’s animal protection laws, please visit aldf.org/newmexico.