Wildlife becomes roadkill on Saguaro National roads
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TUCSON, Ariz. -- It's something of a slaughterhouse for wildlife on Saguaro National Park roads.
Officials of the southern Arizona park said research indicates that vehicles hit and kill at least 30,000 animals annually.
The Arizona Daily Star said roadkill victims include mountain lions, bobcats, deer, coyotes, birds, lizards, toads and snakes.
Park biologist Natasha Kline said the miles of roads through and around the park's sections east and west of Tucson are a major factor.
Many of those roads are open 24 hours a day, though the eight-mile scenic-drive loop in the park's eastern unit is closed at night.
Steps that could reduce the carnage include closing roads or using structures and other means to slow traffic and keep wildlife from crossing roads.
