7 Remarkable Animal Crossings Across the Globe

As natural habitats continue to diminish, the remaining areas are frequently divided by hazardous, multi-lane roadways. These highways fragment ecosystems into disconnected sections, potentially reducing genetic diversity among species and threatening their survival. When wildlife attempts to navigate these obstacles, they risk injury or death, and larger animals can also pose dangers to motorists.

One increasingly popular solution worldwide is the creation of wildlife crossings. These structures, often called animal bridges or wildlife overpasses, span busy highways, offering safe pathways for animals instead of vehicles. Vegetation planted on these bridges can attract wildlife, while roadside fences sometimes guide animals toward these secure passages. Various designs cater to specific species, such as a crab crossing in Australia and a squirrel bridge in Washington state. Explore these and other fascinating examples of animal crossings globally below.

1. Wildlife Overpass // Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, is inhabited by large wildlife such as moose, elk, and grizzly bears. These animals, when crossing highways, endanger both themselves and motorists. To address this, starting in 1996, authorities constructed six wildlife overpasses and 38 underpasses along the Trans-Canada Highway. This stretch, handling 30,000 vehicles daily over 25 miles from Banff National Park to the Kananaskis River, has seen an 80 percent reduction in wildlife fatalities due to these crossings.

2. Crab Bridge // Christmas Island National Park, Australia

Not just large mammals, but even small creatures like crabs need safe pathways. On Australia’s Christmas Island, 50 million red crabs migrate annually to the ocean to spawn. Human development has disrupted this natural event, prompting the construction of a 16-foot-high bridge for crabs to safely cross a busy road. Additionally, 31 crab underpasses and 65 miles of plastic barriers guide the crabs toward these safe routes.

3. Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo // The Netherlands

Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo

Located in The Netherlands, the Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo holds the title of the world's longest wildlife crossing. Spanning 2625 feet in length and 164 feet in width, it traverses roads, railways, and even a sports complex. This bridge enables species such as deer, wild boar, and European badgers to access otherwise unreachable habitats. Known as the “sand quarry natural bridge,” it is part of a network of over 600 ecoducts across the country.

4. Nutty Narrows Bridge // Longview, Washington

Wildlife crossings vary widely in design and scale. The Nutty Narrows Bridge in Longview, Washington, is a narrow structure suspended above a bustling road, specifically designed to allow squirrels to cross safely. Built in 1963 by local craftsman Amos Peters, it was created to protect squirrels from traffic hazards. Inspired by its success, multiple squirrel bridges have since been erected throughout the area.

5. A556 Green Bridge // United Kingdom

In the UK, wildlife overpasses are referred to as “green bridges.” One such bridge was constructed in 2018 over the Knutsford-Bowdon bypass on the A556 in Cheshire, England. Designed to attract small creatures like badgers and voles, this bridge also accommodates pedestrians, featuring a pathway for agricultural workers to safely cross the highway.

6. Wildlife Overpass // Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Even before its completion, the wildlife overpass near Snoqualmie Pass in Washington began drawing animals. Deer were observed crossing Interstate 90 via the bridge as early as 2018. After installing 8-foot noise-reducing walls and planting native vegetation, the crossing officially opened in 2019. While intended for elk, bears, and mountain goats, it has also seen unexpected visitors, including an alleged Bigfoot sighting in 2020.

7. Eco-link @ BKE // Singapore

While Singapore is often associated with its modern skyline, the island also boasts rich biodiversity. For 30 years, two rainforest nature reserves near the city were divided by heavy traffic. In 2013, the Eco-Link @ BKE was constructed to reconnect these habitats. This overpass, stretching across eight lanes, marked Southeast Asia's first wildlife crossing of its kind.