By: Dare Euler, Rewild NJ Movement Member
Weapons of Mass Destruction. What images come to mind? Bombed cities, twisted bodies, virus-stricken civilians, poisoned waters?
Take a drive. Check the roadsides. There you will see the detritus of a WMD we familiarly call the family car. In the past year I have seen the mangled remains of squirrels, deer, beavers, hawks, vultures, foxes, mink, opossums, and racoons. That’s just the wildlife. Viewing our cars as weapons is not a common idea, but maybe we would drive differently if we altered our perception. Those pesky rural speed limits impeding our travel time might save a life. The animal crossing signage is a reminder to us. Not a guide for the critters.
Imagine there is a powerful energy pulse capable of shattering you, spanning your home, dividing you from your kitchen and bedroom. You have to time your forays for food and rest perfectly to avoid annihilation. Our roadways are just that. They bisect habitats requiring treacherous crossings to find food and shelter.
Animal crossings over and under major thoroughfares are a wonderful effort to provide animals safe passage along busy roadways. Thank you, NJ, for this initiative. But we who journey need to be mindful that there is a world lining the roadways, teeming with life, and drive accordingly. Not every roadkill is the result of wanton disregard of wildlife. The squirrel hesitating and then choosing the exactly wrong direction to bolt directly under your wheel after you have braked hard to avoid its mad dash can’t always be avoided. However, more mindful attention as we motor on our way might just avoid that late night foraging fox. And we just might catch a glimpse of something wild. Drive lovingly and stay wild NJ.
For more information, visit The road to safe passage for wildlife in New Jersey – New Jersey Conservation Foundation
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One response to “Weapons of Mass Destruction”
Very important topic and something we can actually do. All it takes is political pressure and spirited folks to push the agenda.
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