Negotiating the Right-of-Way Between Humans and Wildlife | TEDxAsheville

U.S. Interstate 40 runs through the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unfortunately, this heavily trafficked highway is a significant source of roadkill and creates a barrier to movement for elk, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and many smaller species. The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project is addressing obstructions to wildlife corridors and designing solutions for safe passage for people and wildlife.

North Carolina Project Manager Nikki Robinson manages conservation projects, coalitions, and initiatives that Wildlands Network is pursuing in North Carolina. She has worked with land trusts and other natural resources agencies dedicated to solving complex issues and discovering solutions for nature by fostering collaboration and community support. In this TEDx talk, she explains how our ongoing research of wildlife behavior patterns in the Pigeon River Gorge is gathering the data needed to add or enhance infrastructure that will reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. "With research-driven design, we can entice wildlife to use safe passages."