by phillip powell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

senators expressed bipartisan support tuesday for developing wildlife crossings to encourage migration and conserve wildlife populations. this came on the same day as the release of the fifth national climate assessment<\/a> detailing the negative impacts of climate change on wildlife in america.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cacross the united states, we face a challenge where wildlife is losing the ability to navigate,\u201d said witness chuck bonham, director of california\u2019s department of fish and wildlife. \u201cthe reality is that all wildlife needs the ability to move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

according to the fifth national climate assessment, the effects of climate change and economic development disrupt ecosystems, making wildlife bridges and tunnels even more important as they allow animals greater ability to migrate safely. the report says these connecting corridors help limit collisions between drivers and wildlife, connect wildlife populations, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cin a scrambled world because of climate disruption, animals and plants face three basic choices. they can adapt, they can die, or they can move,\u201d bonham said. \u201cwe as people have the opportunity to give them that movement through our decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

according to the center for large landscape conservation, wildlife crossings can take many forms, including naturalistic bridges and tunnels that allow animals to cross roads and other human infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n

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