American Roadkill: The Animal Victims of Our Busy Highways

Roadkill is a growing problem, with motorists killing animals we love and driving many to extinction. This study examines how we are jeopardizing our own futures and advocates for man's best friends, cats, and dogs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Roadkill, the tragic sight of animals slaughtered along our highways and byways, often goes unnoticed by American motorists. However, a growing chorus of voices from research scientists, animal rights activists, roadkill artists, writers, ethicists, and lyricists is raising alarm about its prevalence, warning that we are inadvertently killing the very animals we cherish and driving many of them to the brink of extinction. This comprehensive study delves into the devastating death and destruction caused by our vehicles, affecting a wide range of wildlife, from majestic mammals to delicate insects.

Beginning in the early days of the Model T, university biologists began documenting the common carnage of the time, primarily involving cottontails, woodchucks, and squirrels. This record-keeping tradition continues to this day, providing a sobering glimpse into the scale of the problem. However, zoologists and their citizen scientist allies are taking action beyond mere statistics reporting. They are rerouting trails and migratory paths of animals, advocating for their well-being and seeking to protect our feline and canine companions.

Through their efforts, this work sheds light on both our successes and failures in keeping animals out of harm's way. It highlights the challenges we face in preserving biodiversity and the importance of our collective responsibility to alter the road ahead. It serves as a poignant reminder that our actions, whether intentional or unintentional, have profound consequences for the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.

As we reflect on the roadkill we encounter and the impact it has on our environment and society, it is clear that we must take urgent action to address this issue. This includes promoting responsible driving practices, reducing vehicle emissions, implementing wildlife-friendly infrastructure, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation. By working together, we can create a future where roadkill is a thing of the past and our beloved animals can thrive in their natural habitats.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 150 x 227 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476684437