The Impact of Roads on Wildlife in the Western United States

Exploring the threats roads pose to wildlife in Western landscapes, this chapter discusses the challenges faced by animals like mule deer and elk due to the extensive road network. It delves into the diverse impacts on various species, from songbirds affected by noise pollution to fish facing barriers at stream crossings, leading to habitat loss and disruptions in behavior. Highlighting how major roadways act as barriers for wildlife migration, the chapter also addresses the conflicting roles roads play as both a resource and a hazard for wildlife in the region.