Watch Out For Wildlife Awareness Week

WHEREAS, native wildlife populations are an integral part of Alabama’s natural environment, serving as an indicator for the overall health of Alabama’s statewide ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, each year in the U.S., more than 200 people are killed in wildlife-vehicle collisions; 26,000 are injured; and more than 1.5 million animals are hit; and

WHEREAS, the average cost of property damage from these collisions is over $1 billion, and the total cost to society annually is $8.4 billion; and

WHEREAS, the success of wildlife movement and survival in Alabama remains dependent upon continued public education and an increased understanding of the essential role migration corridors play in wildlife movement; and

WHEREAS, wildlife watching is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities for tourists in Alabama:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the third week of September 2011, as

Watch Out For Wildlife

Awareness Week

in the State of the Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 6th day of September 2011.

                                                                                 Governor Robert Bentley