Identifying Locations for Wildlife Crossing in Tucson, Arizona

Abstract

As the population expands, interactions between humans and wildlife are increasing. In Tucson Arizona, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and javelinas are common visitors, and while not all interactions between humans and animals are negative, negative interactions do happen. There are many ways to decrease wildlife-human interactions and wildlife crossing is one of them. Using a mixed method approach based on case study examination and secondary data analysis, this research aims to identify areas where wildlife crossings in Tucson should be placed. Using data from iNaturalist and the Pima County Open Geodatabase on wildlife sightings, roadkill locations, and tree equity scores, multiple maps were created in ArcGIS Pro to locate areas where wildlife crossings are needed in Tucson. The results showed significant sightings of bobcats, mountain lions, javelinas, and coyotes in Tucson, Arizona. A lot of them are in the upper half of Tucson, closer to current wildlife crossings as well as areas with high tree density. This is important because while there are quite a few wildlife sightings in Tucson, there are no wildlife crossings in Tucson. Some policies that can be added to decrease wildlife-human interaction include a ban on leaving pet food outside or adding a wildlife feeding ordinance that keeps humans from feeding wildlife. Further research can examine why wildlife are attracted to certain areas in Tucson and the potential of creating wildlife crossing in areas with high wildlife sightings and deaths.