Our modern society depends on greater connectivity between places. Regionalized economies, politics and transportation networks are increasingly integrated with far-flung places now more than ever before. Our biosphere and natural environments are exceptions to this pattern. Wilderness areas are ‘islands’ in an ocean of human controlled environments. We create transportation linkages that unite people economies and cities, but separate herds from there extended habitat.
We’ve all seen road kill on major highways. Species like deer, elk, and grizzly bears and other large-bodied animals need a wide range for numerous ecological reasons. These bridges are an attempt to ameliorate some of the problems that our roads pose for the non-human species that still call Earth home. From a purely economic standpoint, many argue that these bridges save society money given the accidents and property damage that can be avoided.
Tags: biogeography, transportation, environment, land use, sustainability, environment adapt.
See on www.theworldgeography.com
UPDATE: and here is a painful/hilarious video of someone who clearly doesn’t understand these principles.
GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION 
October 17, 2012 at 11:31 am
The Bridges for Animals is interesting and I would love to see data on how effective it is. Not a day goes by when I don’t come across one or multiple roadkills, usually raccoons, skunks, squirrels, but sometimes larger animals like deer or coyotes. Some days it really bothers you when you think of the absurdity of an animal having to come into contact with a fast-moving automobile. The bridges are a nice idea, but better yet -for both people and animals – a system where we weren’t roaming all over creation day in day out to make a living.
May 27, 2013 at 11:46 am
@ Mark , I think that they need tunnels as well for the raccoons, skunks, mice . and possums . Then feed on grubs bugs, amphibians, , ect which will all gather in these tunnels becoming moist environment, thus bringing the nocturnal predators into the tunnels increase the learning curve to use them as there highway instead of crossing the road. I think If they where big enough the coyotes might even learn to use them because they would follow the sent of there pray through the tunnels,
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