Outside/In Why is there so much roadkill?
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Sep 17, 2025 Ben Goldfarb, a road-ecology expert and author of "Crossings," dives into the deadly impact of roads on wildlife, revealing that millions of animals perish daily in the US. He discusses the beauty and tragedy of turtle rescues, the horror of mass turtle deaths on highways, and solutions like dedicated wildlife crossings. Goldfarb also highlights the plight of isolated Santa Monica cougars and the need for conservation efforts amid changing road policies. Listeners learn how they can contribute to wildlife protection through citizen science and activism.
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Homegrown Turtle Rescue Origin
- Alexia Bell started the Turtle Rescue League after finding injured and crushed turtles on highways and performing a roadside euthanasia.
- Her home operation now rescues ~250 turtles a year and runs a turtle ambulance to treat road-injured animals.
Roads Turn Landscapes Into Islands
- Roads fragment habitats and create ‘islands’ that isolate wildlife populations and reduce gene flow.
- Many species either avoid roads or are maladapted to them, leading to high mortality and population declines.
Turtle Massacre To Crossing Campaign
- Herpetologist Matt Oresko found tens of smashed turtles on Highway 27 and manually moved thousands to safety over months.
- He campaigned for a formal crossing and used stimulus money to build turtle-friendly culverts in 2010.
