Many countries around the world have built roads specifically for animals.
Unique Bridges and Roads Around the World
- Penguin Tunnel in New Zealand
- Crab Overpass on Christmas Island, Australia
- Wildlife Bridge on Highways in Belgium
- Turtle Path in Japan
- Wildlife Overpass in Alberta, Canada
- Squirrel Path in Victoria, Australia
- Tunnel in Banff National Park, Canada
- Salamander Tunnel in New England, USA
- Elephant Tunnel in Kenya (India)
- Animal Bridge in North Brabant, Netherlands
- Wildlife Overpass in Banff, Alberta, Canada
- Animal Tunnel Under Highways in Finland
- Squirrel Bridge in Washington, USA
- Bee Path in Norway
It is difficult to estimate the number of animals killed by traffic worldwide each year. However, it is estimated that up to 1 million animals are killed daily on roads in the United States. Despite this, some countries have made significant efforts to ensure the safety of wildlife. Evidence of this can be seen in the bridges and roads specifically designed for animals.
The first animal bridges were built in France in the 1950s. The longest animal bridge in the world, known as the Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo, is located in the Netherlands and spans nearly 1 kilometer!
Penguin Tunnel in New Zealand
This is not a pipe. It is a small tunnel for the blue penguin (the smallest penguin species in the world, averaging about 30 cm in height) at Oamaru Harbour, Otago, New Zealand. This 25-meter tunnel helps the penguin colony move from the beach to their nests safely.
Crab Overpass on Christmas Island, Australia
Every year, November and December mark the breeding season for red crabs on Christmas Island. From the forests, they make their way to the sea to “preserve their species.” The movement of millions of red crabs on the roads forces the island authorities to halt traffic and close roads for their safety. Therefore, the authorities constructed a dedicated overpass for the crabs to avoid traffic jams and ensure the safety of these small creatures.
Wildlife Bridge on Highways in Belgium
This is a way to help animals move safely across roads. On highways, vehicles travel very fast, often at speeds of over 100 km/h.
Turtle Path in Japan
Turtles are known for their slow movement. Therefore, the West Japan Railway Company built this tunnel in Suma Aqualife Park to help turtles cross the tracks safely to the ocean during the summer.
Wildlife Overpass in Alberta, Canada
In Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, 24 overpasses like this have been built on highways. All are designed and constructed to help wildlife such as bears, deer, and wolves cross the road safely.
Squirrel Path in Victoria, Australia
Since the Hume Highway in Victoria, Australia, is frequented by squirrels crossing, the state government built this rope bridge to help squirrels and other animals cross the road safely. It seems that the parrots also enjoy this bridge.
Tunnel in Banff National Park, Canada
The Trans-Canada Highway that passes through Banff National Park also has several crossings for wildlife. Therefore, authorities have built tunnels for animals such as grizzly bears to cross the highway safely.
Salamander Tunnel in New England, USA
In spring, hundreds of spotted salamanders emerge from their burrows to begin migrating. This is an image of spotted salamanders in New England (USA) using a moist tunnel instead of risking crossing a dangerous paved road.
Elephant Tunnel in Kenya (India)
A highway was built cutting through a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya (India). Therefore, a tunnel was constructed for elephants to pass through.
Animal Bridge in North Brabant, Netherlands
In the Netherlands, many highways cross large forests. To avoid impacting the natural environment, authorities have constructed bridges over highways to provide pathways for forest animals.
Wildlife Overpass in Banff, Alberta, Canada
This overpass also experiences a busy flow of animals comparable to a large city.
Animal Tunnel Under Highways in Finland
This tunnel is even equipped with lighting to facilitate animal movement, even after dark.
Squirrel Bridge in Washington, USA
Due to many squirrels losing their lives while attempting to cross busy roads in search of food, the Nutty Narrows Bridge was created. Located in Longview, Washington, USA, it is recognized as the “narrowest bridge in the world.”
Bee Path in Norway
In Oslo, Norway, there are many bees. To protect both people and bees, the country has constructed a specially designed bridge for them.