ecofriend.org

High-tech extensive wildlife underpasses and electrified fencing system designed

drivers of approaching animals 9

To keep Arizona’s animals and drivers safe, an experimental electronic “crosswalk” has been designed as part of an extensive system of wildlife underpasses and electrified fencing that are being placed along a three-mile stretch of Arizona 260 — about seven miles east of Payson.

The $700,000 high-tech crossing fences funnel the creatures to places where they can cross under the road, or, to the electronic crossing. Using infrared cameras and military-grade software, the crossing sets off large signs and warning lights to help drivers prepare for an elk, mule or another animal of significant size, which may be about to cross the highway.

Norris Dodd, a wildlife biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department said,

You don’t have to train the animals to use the system. You have to train the drivers. Hopefully, it will convince motorists to slow down.

A federal grant has paid for the cost of the crossing and fencing system.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top