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NewsWMNF Tampa Community RadioSeptember 1, 2026Hillsborough

Florida constructs first dedicated wildlife overpass following three-year camera monitoring project

The state of Florida has completed its first wildlife-exclusive overpass, a project informed by data collected from over 160 field cameras over the past three years. This infrastructure is designed to provide safe passage for animals across roadways.

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Read the full story at WMNF Tampa Community Radio

Why It Matters

The project represents a shift in state infrastructure planning by using long-term wildlife movement data to determine the placement of animal-crossing structures.

Key Facts

  • Over 160 field cameras were used to monitor wildlife activity.
  • The monitoring project spanned a duration of three years.
  • The data collected led to the construction of the first wildlife-dedicated overpass in Florida.
  • The overpass is designed specifically for wildlife use.

Who's Mentioned

organizationWMNF 88.5 FM“The news outlet that published the report.”organizationfStop foundation“Partner in the wildlife monitoring project”organizationZoo Tampa“Partner in the wildlife monitoring project”personLisa Smith“Supervisor of the Florida team at Zoo Tampa”other160“Number of field cameras currently in use”other36“Number of Florida panther deaths documented in 2024”locationFlorida“The state where the wildlife overpass was constructed.”locationLake Wales Ridge State Forest“Primary area for camera data collection”locationPolk County“Location of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest”