In the bustling city of Los Angeles, a groundbreaking project is set to be completed in 2025. The construction of a 64-meter-long bridge spanning an eight-lane highway will provide safe passage for various species, including mountain lions, bobcats, deer, and more. Dubbed the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, this ambitious project aims to address the issue of animal-human conflict that has plagued the United States for years. With over one million collisions occurring between wild animals and vehicles annually, resulting in 200 deaths and 26,000 injuries for drivers and passengers, this collaboration between Caltrans, the National Park Service, and the National Wildlife Federation is a much-needed solution.
The project’s groundbreaking took place on Earth Day two years ago, with construction teams installing the first bridge section above the highway. The finished overpass will span over 8 lanes of traffic and be filled with vegetation to attract wildlife. This $92 million project will undoubtedly benefit countless animals but will have a particular impact on mountain lions in the region. Due to the presence of freeways in Los Angeles, mountain lions have difficulty moving freely, leading to inbreeding and health issues. The story of a famous mountain lion named P-22 has inspired support for this project as it faces many challenges due to urbanization.
This initiative highlights the importance of creating safe passages for wildlife in urban areas. It allows them to move freely while maintaining genetic diversity. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of how human development impacts wildlife populations and how we need to find solutions to mitigate these effects. Overall, this ambitious project is a testament to our ability to work together towards a common goal and create a safer world for all living beings.
