Along a busy stretch of highway in Santa Cruz County — where more than 60,000 vehicles pass each day — just a single animal has been hit since a wildlife crossing was completed in January 2023, according to NBC Bay Area.
In stark contrast, before the Highway 17 tunnel was installed, 77 animals were struck in just three years on this same section of road, where deer and mountain lions once faced a heightened risk from traffic.
The undercrossing was originally designed to help mountain lions safely move between habitats divided by the highway — a critical need for a species already struggling in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where roads that fragment populations are their leading cause of death. Underscoring this threat, a study found that one or two mountain lions die on California roadways each week.
The crossing is benefiting more than just mountain lions, though, with deer, skunks, a gray fox, and even a bobcat documented using it. In addition, deer have been seen taking refuge inside the tunnel during hot weather.
Research has found that wildlife crossings can decrease vehicle collisions by 97%. As habitats shrink and wildlife populations decline — and both animals and people remain at risk — projects like these are more important than ever.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to everyone who helped bring this life-saving crossing to fruition and urges communities around the world to invest in solutions that keep wildlife safe and connected. If you haven’t already, please sign our petition calling on Iowa to form a committee to study the feasibility of installing wildlife crossings in high-risk areas.
