- Road mortality: Cars are a leading cause of death for wildlife, especially larger mammals such as deer, moose, and elk. These animals are often killed when they are struck by vehicles while crossing roads. In the United States alone, an estimated 1-2 million animals are killed by cars each year.
- Habitat loss: Cars and roads can fragment and reduce the size of natural habitats, making it more difficult for wildlife to find food, shelter, and mates. This can lead to population declines and the loss of biodiversity.
- Pollution: Cars emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, which can contribute to air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. These pollutants can harm wildlife directly, and they can also indirectly affect wildlife by altering their habitats.
- Noise: Cars and roads can produce noise pollution, which can disturb wildlife and interfere with their communication, feeding, and mating behaviors.
- Artificial light: Cars and streetlights emit artificial light, which can disrupt the natural day-night cycle of wildlife. This can affect their behavior, physiology, and reproduction.