Why do animals cross the road? Some are just migrating. Others seek food or mates. But whatever the case, they aren’t likely to pay much attention to traffic — and that can mean disaster. Every year in the U.S., an estimated 350 million animals and more than 400 people die in animal-car crashes. And even crashes that don’t claim lives still cost an average of over $4,100, according to insurers — which all adds up to billions in annual damages. 
That’s why animal crossings have become so popular. These specialized over- or underpasses allow wild animals — from wolves and bears to moose, deer, elk, and even butterflies — to pass safely. They’re typically covered with vegetation and terrain to make them more attractive to animals and may be fenced and off-limits to humans. According to one study, animals are 146% more likely to use one than a random stretch of road. Another long-term investigation showed that crossings reduced accidents by greater than 80%  annually.

Animal Overpasses Save Bambis … and Benjamins