Mule Deer First to Hoof It Across California’s New Wildlife Bridge

Three mule deer were the first animals documented using a new wildlife overpass on U.S. 97 in Northern California while the project was still nearing completion, according to researchers from the UC Davis Road Ecology Center and the California Department of Transportation.

A trail camera captures three mule deer crossing the new U.S. 97 wildlife overpass near Grass Lake in Siskiyou County. The project is California’s first wildlife overcrossing over a state highway. Photo courtesy of Caltrans District 2

The crossing is located near Grass Lake in Siskiyou County and is California’s first wildlife overcrossing over a state highway. U.S. 97 cuts through habitat used by mule deer, elk, black bears, mountain lions, gray wolves, bobcats and other native wildlife.

The California Department of Transportation added several safety features to guide animals over the road. The project includes about two miles of wildlife fencing, jump-outs that allow animals trapped near the road to leave the fenced highway area, cattle guards and a concrete box culvert.

Another major wildlife crossing project is underway in Southern California. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over U.S. 101 will reconnect fragmented habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills.