STATEMENT: New federal funds for wildlife crossings could help save endangered Florida panthers

Florida Dept. of Transportation receiving $6.1 million to build underpass, fences

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As part of $125 million dollars in federal grants for wildlife crossings, the U.S. Department of Transportation will give its Florida counterpart $6.1 million to help provide safe passage for endangered Florida panthers and other animals. Environment Florida has been calling on the government to fund wildlife crossings to protect the remaining 120-230 panthers.

The government allocated the Florida money to reconstruct a small stretch of US-27 in southern Highlands County near Venus. The project includes raising the roadway, building a wildlife crossing underpass and adding two miles of fencing, in hopes of reducing collisions between animals and motor vehicles. In addition to helping the Florida panthers, these wildlife corridors could save black bears, white-tailed deer, American alligators and other small terrestrial and aquatic species from accidents.

The latest grants include funding for projects in 16 states. The money is part of the second round of grants from the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $350 million for the program.

In response, Environment Florida Advocate Mia McCormick issued the following statement: 

“It’s been a rough year for the Florida panther, with 32 deaths thus far. We have to do better by this magnificent creature, and wildlife crossings are a proven way to do that. 

“Time and again, we’ve heard and read about cars driving along US-27 running panthers over. It’s not the fault of the driver and it’s surely not the fault of the big cats. We’ve been advocating that wildlife crossings are the best solution for Florida — and now it’s clear that the federal and state departments of transportation agree. We’re thrilled by the response.

“Florida has done an excellent job of building roads so that we can efficiently drive around. Now, thankfully, we’re starting to build the crossings that animals need to safely navigate them. Underpasses and fencing are good for the panthers, good for drivers and good for nature. 

“Soon, when someone asks, ‘How does the endangered panther cross the road?’ the answer will be, ‘By going under it.’”