Volunteers Will Track Wildlife Across Oregon Roads
You can help identify critical wildlife crossing locations by documenting animal sightings this October.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize funding for wildlife crossings on roads in your area?
Environment Oregon will conduct a Roadside Wildlife Count from Oct. 17 to Oct. 25, 2026, to map animal activity across the state. The collected data will help determine where future wildlife crossings should be built to reduce habitat fragmentation.
Why it matters
Roads in Oregon have dissected natural habitats, and increased animal movement during fall migration heightens the risk of collisions. Understanding where wildlife activity is densest helps prioritize infrastructure projects that protect both animal populations and drivers.
Oregon has already constructed six wildlife crossings, with additional sites currently in the design phase or awaiting funding. Volunteers will cover parts of the 70,000 miles of total roads in Oregon during the survey.
The players
Environment Oregon
A conservation nonprofit that manages affiliates across 29 states and organizes community-led environmental data collection.
The details
Volunteers will use the iNaturalist app to log wildlife sightings encountered while biking, driving, or walking. These observations are aggregated to reveal traffic patterns for migrating animals, particularly those moving down from the Cascades. This crowdsourced data directly informs state planning for infrastructure projects designed to bridge fragmented habitats.
Timeline
Oct. 13, 2026: Volunteer webinar on app usage
Oct. 17 to 25, 2026: 2026 Roadside Wildlife Count
The Home Front
This project follows the pattern set by the state-led initiative to construct wildlife crossings. It provides the ground-level data needed to guide future infrastructure investments across the state.
If you plan to participate, download the iNaturalist app and register for the Oct. 13 webinar to learn how to log sightings correctly. Keep an eye on local road conditions, as fall mating and migration periods often lead to increased animal activity near residential areas.
The takeaway
Participating in the wildlife count helps refine state infrastructure plans that keep local roads safer for your family. Residents can contribute by recording animal sightings in their area using the iNaturalist app throughout the survey window.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to protect native animals in our Wildlife section.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize funding for wildlife crossings on roads in your area?
