Impact of Wildlife Crossing Structures on Wildlife–Vehicle Collisions

This paper examines whether wildlife crossing structures reduce the number of wildlife–vehicle collisions. Using Washington state crash data from 2011 to 2020, I employed a difference-in-differences methodology at year level on each 13 observed in Washington. The treatment area consisted collisions within 10 mi structure, and control included that were 60 70 same structure. found evidence resulted one three fewer average per mile year. marginal effect also held 5-mi area, 15-mi when controlling for presence other baseline 10-mi area. However, collision reductions more consistent among bridges than culverts, suggesting not all have reducing accidents involving wildlife. back-of-the-envelope approach, structure yielded annual benefits $235,000 443,000 2021 U.S. dollars.