$8-10 Billion a Year in Damage
Between 1 and 2 million crashes between vehicles and large animals occur annually on U.S. roads. In 2023, 235 people were killed and 26,000 injured. The total national cost exceeds $8 billion per year.
The average deer collision costs $6,617. A moose collision averages $30,769.
1-2 million wildlife-vehicle collisions per year. 235 human deaths. $8-10 billion in damage. Crossings reduce collisions up to 97%. Bipartisan bill would fund $200 million per year. West Virginia has a 1-in-40 chance of hitting a deer.
West Virginia has the highest collision odds at 1 in 40. Montana follows at 1 in 53. Wisconsin at 1 in 61.
Crossings Work
Pennsylvania built five underpasses along I-99 near State College and reduced animal crossing deaths by 80%. Banff National Park in Canada reduced collisions 80% and dropped elk mortality to near zero after installing crossings and fencing. Wildlife crossings paired with fencing reduce collisions by up to 97%.
Over 1,000 wildlife crossings are now operational in the United States. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act created the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program with $350 million authorized for FY 2022-2026. More than half of all states and 5 Indian tribes have received funding.
The Bipartisan Bill
Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced H.R. 6078, the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act. The bill would make the program permanent, extend authorization through FY 2031 with $200 million per year ($1 billion total), provide 100% federal cost share for tribal projects, and create a dedicated tribal technical assistance program.
This is one of the few infrastructure investments with bipartisan support, measurable safety outcomes, and a benefit-cost ratio that makes the math simple. The crossings cost less than the collisions they prevent.
What you can do now
- Call both senators and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 6078, the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act, introduced by Rep. Zinke (R-MT) and Rep. Beyer (D-VA). The bill would authorize $200 million per year through FY 2031 and make the program permanent. This is bipartisan legislation where the math is simple: crossings cost less than the collisions they prevent. Use Resist Bot to send your message.
- Contact your House representative and ask them to support full reauthorization of the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. The current $350 million authorization expires at the end of FY 2026. More than half of all states have received funding. Pennsylvania reduced animal crossing deaths by 80% with just five underpasses along I-99.
- Call your state DOT and ask whether your state has applied for Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program funding. Over 1,000 crossings are operational nationally. Crossings paired with fencing reduce collisions by up to 97%. West Virginia has a 1-in-40 chance of a deer collision, Montana 1-in-53. If your state has high collision rates, it should be applying.
- Find your state delegation at your state page and share the cost numbers: 1-2 million large animal collisions per year, 235 human deaths, $8-10 billion in damage. The average deer collision costs $6,617. The crossings pay for themselves.