Millions of dollars newly available to help California build wildlife crossings

The U.S. Department of Transportation has begun accepting applications for what could be the final round of funding from the current Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program. The program, which is currently scheduled to expire at the end of September, unless Congress reauthorizes it in the next federal transportation bill, is making $80 million in grants available to help states plan and build wildlife crossings.

“Governor Newsom and CalTrans should jump on this opportunity to reconnect nature and make our roads safer,” said Sam Trezona, wildlife campaign associate of Environment California. “With no guarantee that Congress will renew the Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program, now could be the state’s last best chance to secure federal funding for wildlife crossings.”

Wildlife crossings –including overpasses, underpasses, culverts, bridges, and fencing — can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 97%. Such crossings reduce collisions, while also helping wildlife thrive. They help wildlife move safely to find the resources they need: food, water, shelter and mates.

Many of California’s most charismatic species like mountain lions, bighorn sheep, elk and native salamanders are heavily impacted by cars on our roads. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are also estimated to cost Californians $200 million each year.

California has made progress by identifying around 140 locations where wildlife crossings can be built to remedy these problems. However, more than 100 have yet to secure funding. The Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program can help fund these, as it did in 2024 by allocating $8 million to the Gavitoa Pass Wildlife Connectivity and Vehicle Collision Reduction Project.

Each year in the United States, between 1 and 2 million vehicles collide with large wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, bears, and other animals. These accidents kill approximately 200 people every year, injure more than 26,000, and result in an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion in property damage annually.

“In California and across America, roads and highways endanger our iconic and beloved creatures. Wildlife crossings are a tried and tested solution,” added Trezona.