AP Environmental Science

As we have already learned in class this year, roads can disrupt and divide ecosystems. Arizona is trying something new to help drivers and animals. An animal “crosswalk” is going to be opened for the first time in Arizona.

An electrified fence will surround a three mile area of Arizona 260, which is approximately 7 miles east of Payson. The fences only allow the animals to cross the highway at certain spots. Motorists will see large signs and lights flashing at them to warn them an animal , most likely a large one, is going to cross the highway. The signs and lights use infarered camaras and military-grade software to determine whether an animal is about to cross.

Although Arizona is not the first state to use animal crosswalks, they are the first to do it using fencing. The crosswalk will be evaluated in 2 years to see how effective it has been.

Not only will this $700,000 project give animals the chance to cross the highway with aware drivers, but also the camaras can monitor the animals behavior. As well, “electronic global postioning collars” have been placed on elk to see how the crosswalk changes their patterns. The camaras also monitor how fast the cars are traveling and how fast their reaction time is to slow down.

Elk (Photo credit: www.wikipedia.com)

I think that this is a good idea. It doesn’t really cost that much, plus it makes drivers think about how fast they are going. The article didn’t mention whether or not drivers could receive tickets if they were going over the speedlimit. I am not sure if I think that they should, especially if they do slow down in enough time when the signs and lights begin to flash. I think that it is good that it will be evaluated in 2 years because it might effect the way the elk move and their behavior. I guess that we will just have to wait and see.

Arizona Tests Wildlife ‘Crosswalk’ By: Associated Press http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=11954