Roadblocks for Wildlife

This piece intends to expand upon this idea by providing an interactive visual reference for the risks associated with wildlife living or crossing nearby roadways. Roadblocks for Wildlife was created with the intention of raising awareness about Animal Vehicle Crashes (AVCs) in North Carolina. This wall-hanging maze is intended to raise awareness about the effects of AVCs on wildlife populations. The participant's task is to lead a deer through the maze and test their chances of survival each time they cross a road. The viewer is given written instructions on how to operate the piece and determine their chances of survival by spinning a nearby wheel.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, about 7% of all vehicle crashes in the state of North Carolina involve animal collisions, with approximately 90% of all reported animal vehicle crashes involving deer. In order to reduce the chances of animal vehicle collisions, it is important to remain vigilant on roadways and implement infrastructure that is developed with the movements of wildlife in mind. For example, wildlife corridors and bridges have been implemented in some places in order to provide an alternative route for wildlife near roadways.

The background of this piece is made from a 24" x 24" inch wooden panel. The foreground pieces were digitally illustrated and then cut by a laser machine. Velcro dots were used to attach the buildings and trees to the back panel to allow the pieces to be rearrangeable and portable. Painted with acrylic.