Every year, millions of small animals, including reptiles and amphibians, are killed on roads. Underpasses that funnel these animals safely under the road, such as those in Monkton, Vermont, can reduce that mortality.
The video below shows one hour of usage of the underpasses in Monkton, from one night in the spring. This amphibian migration can go on most of the night, on most warm(ish) wet nights in the spring, and again in the fall. That’s a lot of nights, and a lot of small animals. During the spring 2016 season we had over 2,200 amphibians cross through the two underpasses.
One Hour in Spring
Story Map of Monkton Wildlife Crossing
Explore this story map that describes and shows the Monkton wildlife crossing, along with photos, maps, and helpful information about the project. It may be easier to view by clicking here and viewing it in a separate window (instead of below in the embedded story map). You can also review two presentations we’ve given on this subject on our Recorded Presentations page.
Where else are these needed? Watch a video here to learn more about where and when amphibians migrate, then collect some data on the roads near you, and get in touch. Report probable or known “squish zones” to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, by sending us a report or emailing us.
As Birdfoot’s Grampa says, in the poem of that name by Joseph Bruchac, “They have places to go, too.”
