Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Highway 17 wildlife crossing”
2. “Santa Cruz Mountains wildlife conservation”
Highways in California pose a deadly threat to wildlife, with at least 613 mountain lions killed by oncoming traffic between 2016 and 2023. To address this issue, transportation officials and advocates are constructing wildlife passageways over and under major highways. The Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a prime example of this effort, aiming to merge 30,000 acres of open space to ensure the health of mountain lions. With climate change forcing animals to shift habitats, wildlife crossings are crucial for ecosystem resilience. Fencing and reduced speed limits are also key in reducing vehicle-animal collisions.
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Tragic Incidents on California Highways Pose Threat to Wildlife
People often see highways as a convenient means to travel from one place to another, but for the wildlife inhabiting the areas around these busy roads, they can be deadly barriers. In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in the number of animals falling victim to oncoming traffic in California.
Mounting Casualty Figures
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Between 2016 and 2023, there have been over 600 reports of mountain lions alone being killed in road accidents, according to data from the UC Davis Road Ecology Center. Just in the past month, two mountain lions were found dead on L.A. County highways, sparking concerns over the safety of wildlife in these areas.
Other At-Risk Species
Aside from mountain lions, other animals such as deer, coyotes, and raccoons are also at risk of becoming roadkill due to the high volume of traffic on California highways. The impact of these incidents on local wildlife populations is significant.
Conservation Efforts Underway
To address the issue and protect the state’s diverse wildlife, transportation officials and advocates are taking steps to build wildlife passageways across major highways in California. One such project currently in progress is the Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Project Details
The proposed project includes constructing both overpasses and underpasses across the highway to facilitate the safe movement of wildlife. The plan also involves the installation of fencing to direct animals towards the underpass and away from the highway, as well as a one-way escape structure to provide animals with a safe exit route if they accidentally wander onto the road.
Environmental Review Process
The Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project has been in development for a decade and is now undergoing an extensive environmental review. The aim is to create a seamless connection between the two sides of the highway, allowing animals to move freely across their natural habitat without the risk of being hit by vehicles.
Importance of Wildlife Crossings
Wildlife crossings play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and survival of various species that call California home. By providing animals with a way to navigate busy highways, these passageways help reduce the number of roadkill incidents and promote biodiversity in the region.
Urgency of the Situation
With the ongoing impacts of climate change and habitat loss, the need for wildlife crossings has become more urgent than ever. Animals are being forced to adapt to changing conditions, making safe passage across highways essential for their continued existence.
Conclusion
As efforts to build wildlife crossings continue across California, it is clear that these structures are vital for protecting the state’s diverse wildlife and preserving its natural ecosystems. By creating safe pathways for animals to traverse highways, we can help mitigate the risks posed by vehicle-animal collisions and ensure a sustainable future for all species.