All across the west, wildlife migration routes are being broken and fragmented. The situation in Oregon is no exception. Oregon wants to save migration routes. Migration routes from summer ranges to winter ranges are essential for survival. During annual migrations wildlife encounter many dangers. Crossing fences can end up with animals becoming tangled and trapped. Likewise, wildlife will have to cross busy roadways. Road crossings result in large amounts of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Not only does the animal usually lose their life, but people can also be harmed or killed in the collisions. Subsequently, many states have started projects to protect migration routes.
New Poll Shows Majority of Oregonians want to Protect Wildlife Migration
A new poll conducted in February shows that the majority of Oregonians want to protect migration routes. The research firm, GBAO Strategies, conducted the poll. Eighty-six percent of all the people polled were in favor of protecting migration routes. Likewise, ninety-five percent of people who stated they were hunters or fishermen were in favor as well. An average of seventy-nine percent of voters were in favor of wildlife bridges. Subsequently, the poll found that eighty-four percent of voters were in favor of the State Legislature creating funding for the projects. Likewise, eighty-seven percent of voters want ODoT to prioritize construction on these wildlife crossings.
Habitat and Corridor Protection
Oregonians also feel strongly about habitat protection. Eighty-eight percent of voters want the federal government to protect migration corridor habitat. Furthermore, eighty-seven percent of voters support the U.S. Forest Service protecting habitat and migration corridors. Eighty-two percent of Oregonians also want special federal designations to protect the corridors. With strong public support for habitat and corridor protection, leaders are in a good position to safeguard wildlife corridors.
It sure looks like the majority of Oregon wants to save migration routes. What do you think? Does your state protect migration routes? Let us know in the comments.
