Guest column: The time to fund wildlife crossings is now

As a former biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, I’ve witnessed the negative impacts of wildlife-vehicle collisions on our communities. Each year, thousands of Oregon motorists experience the trauma of hitting an animal on the road. Between 2020 and 2024 the Oregon Department of Transportation had 26,650 reported wildlife-vehicle accidents, while stating that these numbers are likely conservative estimates. The cost of a wildlife-vehicle collision can be significant, with vehicle damage amounting to thousands of dollars and the financial strain can extend well beyond the cost of vehicle repair. A personal injury sustained in a wildlife vehicle accident can lead to missed work, long-term medical expenses, and may also result in tragic human fatalities.