MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Transportation has secured a $467,367 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation which aims to identify wildlife crossings around the state which pose the highest risk to motorist safety.

Michigan ranks fourth highest in the country in deer/vehicle crashes, averaging 55,000 incidents per year. The high number of accidents involving deer in the state is responsible for $130 million in damages. While deer are the leading cause of these accidents in the state, moose, elk, bear and wild turkeys also cause vehicular damage throughout the state. While non-deer incidents are not as high, the damage to not only vehicles, but those species well-being are also taken into consideration.

“We’re pleased the state has secured funding to undertake this innovative work in Michigan,” said Steve Chadwick, senior Great Lakes wetland advisor for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “This grant has the potential to benefit at-risk species by helping them reach critical habitat, and to protect more common species as we seek to make roads safer for Michigan drivers.”