A new wildlife bridge in Southern California aims to provide safe passage for animals over the busy 10-lane Highway 101, promoting habitat connectivity and reducing roadkill.
Reis Thebault reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a $100 million project, will be the largest wildlife bridge in the world, reconnecting the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills.
- The bridge, set to open in 2026, will help species like mountain lions whose habitats have been fragmented by the highway.
- The project has sparked increased investment in similar ventures nationwide, highlighting the importance of cohabitation between humans and wildlife.
Key quote:
“When the number one threat to wildlife worldwide is the loss of habitat, we can’t write these places off.”
— Beth Pratt, project lead fundraiser and spokesperson
Why this matters:
This wildlife bridge represents a concerted effort to integrate conservation efforts with urban planning, providing support for threatened species and promoting biodiversity amidst urban sprawl. Read more: The health of wildlife is inseparable from our own.
