The Environment American Research and Policy Center is looking for volunteers for a project aimed at protecting wildlife movement.
It focuses on wildlife crossings, the overpasses and underpasses that help ensure that wildlife can find their habitats, prevent roadkill, and keep population numbers healthy.
However, expanding roads and infrastructure have made it harder for mountain lions, deer, elk, and even threatened amphibians to keep their homes and access to resources.
That’s why, starting Sunday until Oct. 11, volunteers are needed to help track wildlife by the road via an app in an effort to get more funding for wildlife crossings.
According to a 2024 UC Davis Road Ecology Report, California roads with the highest consistent rates of wildlife-car crashes are 680 in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, 280 on the Peninsula, and Highway 17 between San Jose and Santa Cruz.
The Environment America Center says wildlife crossings are proven to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions by over 90%.
Those who would like to volunteer and help spot the animals are encouraged to visit the Environment America website and search for the 2026 Roadside Wildlife Count.
