It was supposed to be up and running last year but the Annenberg animal overcrossing has been delayed. It is now expected to benefit wildlife as different as lizards and mountain lions late this year.
The massive project spanning the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills will be the largest such crossing in the world if it meets its goal of opening at the end of the year.
Although it will benefit a large number of species it’s the anticipated impact on mountain lions (Puma concolor) that has grabbed headlines. The Santa Monica Mountains have a remnant population of cougars as they are often known. More than 100 have been studied by the National Park Service. Many have been killed crossing the 101. The rest show signs of inbreeding.
The overcrossing is expected to tackle two pressing problems. It will safely connect populations of animal reducing car strikes. It will also reduce the amount of inbreeding which can lead to local extinction.
Much of public support for the project comes from the life of P-22. He was lord of the Santa Monica Mountains. He crossed the freeway twice which was remarkable. He became an ambassador for wildlife. Unfortunately he succumbed to age infirmity and a car strike. He was captured and the euthanized December 17, 2022.