10 Animals We Could Save with More Wildlife Crossings in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to diverse climates, ranging from coastal to mountainous regions. These regions provide habitats for a variety of animals across the state, including black bears, box turtles, red wolves, and salamanders. Wildlife across North Carolina have something in common: most are threatened by habitat fragmentation caused by interstate systems. 

Sadly, thousands of these precious animals lose their lives every year due to vehicle collisions. Wildlife Crossings can save thousands of animals’ lives by providing a safe crossing zone. 

The 10 animals highlighted below represent just a handful of the amazing critters that can be protected with new wildlife crossings. Learn more about these animals and how we can help them survive below.

Black bears roam the coasts and mountainous regions of North Carolina. They are adventurous and love to climb and swim. These bears are keystone species, meaning that they fulfill an important role in the ecosystem food chain. Black bears carry seeds for pollination as they travel and help to minimize overpopulation of herbivores. Sadly they are greatly affected by vehicle collisions, with at least 92 bears being killed between 2018 and 2022.

The Northern Flying Squirrel is an endangered species found only in North Carolina, Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. These squirrels live in the canopies of trees up to 4,000 feet high. They are famous for their large gliding jump, where they can fly for three feet in the air at one time, thanks to their skin that stretches from their hands to their ankles, like wings. These squirrels are especially impacted by the construction of roads between forest regions in Western North Carolina.

North Carolina is home to an abundance of salamander species, over 56 in total. They are most prominent in the mountain region, however different species of salamander live in various regions of the state. Today, 60 percent of salamanders are threatened with extinction. One of these endangered species is the Green Salamander, which is now only found in North Carolina. Habitat fragmentation is further threatening these already endangered species. Due to the fragmentation salamanders often have to travel far distances, including crossing roads, for mating season. Salamanders are already small and often cross roads at night, making them very hard for drivers to notice. Wildlife corridors can provide the connectivity they need to survive. 

There are only about 16 red wolves left in the wild, and North Carolina provides a home to all of them. Red Wolves often live in packs and mate for life, forming closely bonded family units that depend on each other for survival. Rehabilitation efforts and breeding programs have tried to save the beautiful red wolf from extinction, but vehicle collisions are making a comeback for the species difficult. In 2024, a male red wolf was run over, and shortly after, several of the male’s new pups died. Red wolf puppies often rely on both parents to look after them, so vehicle collisions involving a parent can often lead to catastrophe for this endangered species, making wildlife crossings all the more crucial for their survival.

Bobcats are the only wild cats left in North Carolina. They get their name for their short tail, which is only about 5 inches long. These adorable cats look just like a larger version of your household pet, averaging between 10-40 pounds. Bobcats, like the other animals listed, have been threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation in North Carolina. Bobcats are territorial animals, but their home range can be anywhere from half a mile to 30 square miles. Bobcats roaming between home territory are especially vulnerable to vehicle collisions when roads run nearby.

Elk are one of the most resilient animals in North Carolina. After being hunted to almost extinction, elk were able to make a comeback thanks to a breeding program that brought them in from neighboring states. Despite the success of the program, elk are now facing even more threats due to highways that run through migration pathways. Vehicle collisions with elk are some of the most costly, averaging about $25,000 in damage. 

The box turtle is native to North Carolina and got its name from how it “boxes up” when feeling threatened. These adorable turtles have been facing a population decline across the state. Turtles that attempt to cross the interstate move very slowly, putting them at high risk. More wildlife crossings would protect this already vulnerable species.

Probably the most recognizable animal on this list, the white-tailed deer is abundant in all 3 regions of North Carolina. Deer that live in urban forests are especially vulnerable to running out into the road, especially at night.  Deer are victims of over 20,000 vehicle collisions a year in North Carolina alone. These incidents also cause a large danger to drivers on the road.

Similar to deer, raccoons inhabit many areas of North Carolina. These clever animals often attempt to steal food scraps from the trash cans and can be seen in much closer proximity to houses. As nocturnal creatures, raccoons are at a higher risk of vehicle collisions. Raccoons often attempt to cross dark roads at night when drivers have reduced visibility, making wildlife corridors an important avenue to protect them.

One of the most playful animals on the list, the river otter splashes around the rivers in North Carolina. They have webbed hands and toes, making them excellent swimmers. These adorable creatures, despite spending a lot of time in the water, are still at risk from vehicle collisions. Especially in the coastal region, otters often attempt to cross roads near water sources. Wildlife corridors in the coastal region would help to protect the lives of these adorable otters. 

Wildlife Corridors provide great value to drivers and wildlife throughout North Carolina. These 10 animals highlight just a few of the many animals whose lives will be protected with the creation of more wildlife corridors. Incorporating wildlife corridors in the I-40 rebuild following Hurricane Helene would help to protect many of the animals listed above.