Animal Crossing: World's Biggest Wildlife Bridge Comes to California Highway

Introduction

• A new wildlife overpass will soon be constructed across the 101 highway near Los Angeles, California.
• This bridge aims to provide safe passage for wildlife such as mountain lions, lizards, snakes, and toads.
• The overpass will be the largest of its kind, stretching 210 feet long and 165 feet wide.

The Need for the Bridge

• Highways across California pose deadly obstacles for wildlife, especially for protected mountain lions.
• Since 2002, at least 25 mountain lions have been killed on LA freeways.
• The bridge is part of a nearly decade-long project crucial for wildlife conservation.

Project Details

• Beth Pratt from the National Wildlife Federation played a pivotal role in planning and fundraising.
• The bridge will cost $90 million, with 60% funded by private donations and the rest by public conservation funds.
• Construction begins on Earth Day, 22 April, with completion expected by early 2025.

Design and Features

• Designed by landscape architect Robert Rock, the bridge will integrate with the natural environment.
• It features local plants, vegetated sound walls, and will minimize human interference through natural deterrents.
• The aim is to inspire design solutions that restore natural habitats.

Symbol of Connection

• The bridge symbolizes the connection between urban life and nature and is designed to blend seamlessly into the Santa Monica mountains.
• It's seen as a precedent for future eco-friendly infrastructure projects.

Impact and Community Involvement

• Over 300,000 cars pass daily under this section of the highway.
• The project showcases how humans can live in harmony with nature, providing an opportunity for public engagement.
• The plight of local mountain lions, notably the famous P22, rallied global support and substantial funding.

Expected Outcomes

• Although P22 will not use this bridge, the project aims to restore habitat and provide safe passage for local wildlife.
• Scientists predict a learning curve for animals; they may take up to five years to fully utilize the bridge.

Future of Wildlife Crossings

• Wildlife crossings are gaining momentum globally and are economically viable in the long term.
• The Banff National Park study shows a 90% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions, supporting the investment.
• The U.S. infrastructure bill includes $350 million for similar projects.

Challenges and Perseverance

• Fundraising was initially challenging, but perseverance and recognition of the project's importance prevailed.
• The project faced philosophical opposition, but advocates like Pratt were driven by the urgency to save the mountain lions.

Corrections

• Previous errors in reporting the number of mountain lions have been corrected; 10-12 lions currently inhabit the area.
• Clarification on Beth Pratt’s role as a conservation leader.

This project represents a significant advancement in wildlife conservation efforts and infrastructure design, aiming to foster coexistence between urban development and the natural world.