A plan to build a new wildlife crossing over I-15 aims to help the mountain lion population, but it comes with a hefty price tag. More than one million dollars is being allocated for a study to determine the feasibility and potential benefits of the wildlife bridge. This investment is crucial for the future of the big cats and other wildlife that are currently threatened by the busy freeway.
Winston Vickers, a wildlife expert at UC Davis, tells NBC News that providing mountain lions with their own dedicated crossing would significantly reduce the number of fatalities caused by vehicle collisions. Just last week, a mountain lion was killed on Interstate 8 in La Mesa, highlighting the urgent need for such infrastructure. Vickers emphasizes that time is of the essence, as the highway poses a continual danger and keeps the big cats separated, leading to inbreeding and a less healthy population.
The proposed wildlife crossings are designed to facilitate safe passage for animals across the highway, promoting genetic diversity by allowing them to mingle more freely. This could help mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation, which has long been a problem for mountain lions and other species in the area.
Vickers points out that without such measures, the isolation of wildlife populations due to highways can lead to severe inbreeding, which negatively impacts the genetic health and resilience of species. The wildlife bridge would not only save lives by preventing collisions but also contribute to a more robust and genetically diverse wildlife population.
The project has garnered support from various environmental groups and wildlife conservationists who recognize the critical need for such crossings. However, the financial and logistical challenges remain significant. The million-dollar study will assess the best locations, design, and potential impacts of the crossings, providing essential data to guide the project’s development.
If the study proves favorable, the wildlife bridge project could set a precedent for similar initiatives across California and beyond. Such infrastructure projects are seen as vital for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the survival of species in increasingly urbanized environments.
As San Diego and surrounding areas continue to develop, balancing human activity with wildlife conservation becomes ever more critical. The wildlife bridge over I-15 represents a forward-thinking approach to coexistence, aiming to preserve the natural heritage while accommodating growth and development.
Watch the NBC San Diego video here.
Article photo is from this video.
