Over the last fourteen years, over a dozen big cats including bobcats, mountain lions and even a puma have been struck and killed by motorists while crossing the 101 freeway in Los Angeles. So what to do? Build these animals a bridge for safe crossing!
Caltrans, state agencies and other elected officials have proposed to the state of California to create a 165-foot-wide, 200-foot-long wildlife overpass near Liberty Canyon Road in Agoura Hills for these big cats. The bridge would connect the Santa Monica Mountains on the south with the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains. These are protected public lands on either side, and the natural habitats for these predators.
Because of urbanization, these animals have a reduced area to live in, and inbreeding has become a problem, with both of these factors affecting the population of this wildlife.
The proposed plan would feature drought-resistant vegetation, and would be useful for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers as well. And by utilizing this plan, motorists would be protected from collisions too.
The projected cost would be $33 million to $38 million, which would be sought after from public coffers. How do you feel about this proposed plan to help wildlife? Comment below!
