High speeds on highways can cause not only vehicle accidents but also wildlife, some of which are endangered and have been killed by the asphalt.
On highways, it’s common to find reptiles such as snakes, iguanas, turtles, and amphibians like frogs. In contrast, in the city, animals such as raccoons, opossums, and gray foxes can be affected due to the transformation of their natural environments.
Many animals meet their end while trying to return to their birthplaces, as the advance of urbanization encroaches on what was once their habitat.
“Most animals tend to return to their birthplaces, and when they do, they discover that they are already occupied, mainly by human settlements, which disorients and disturbs them,” said José Mukul Yerves, professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at UADY. In other cases, factors such as searching for food, water, or a breeding partner force animals to cross the pavement and put themselves in danger. The specialist commented that high vehicle speeds can cause accidents for both people and animals.
The latter are the most likely to die on the pavement due to the impact of vehicles traveling on roads that are often located in areas that used to be passageways for numerous species.
Professor Mukul Yerves noted that these accidents often result in the loss of endangered wildlife, such as jaguars, parrots, or sea turtles.
One of the solutions to mitigate these incidents is the installation of specialized infrastructure, such as underpasses, overpasses, or hanging bridges, depending on the species, the wildlife specialist noted. The reality is that very few roads currently have wildlife crossings.
It is also essential to install signs and speed bumps, both for the well-being of animals and people. According to road incident reports, the Río Lagartos-Las Coloradas highway section, the Mérida-Cancún highway, and coastal roads are the areas that have recorded a high rate of wildlife deaths due to being run over. “You should respect the passage of animals and always be alert. For example, if you see a snake, you should stop and wait for it to move forward. Don’t rush the animals or get out of the vehicle,” the specialist recommended.
TYT Newsroom
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