The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing: Bridging the Gap Between Urban Development and Nature

The wildlife crossing, which will be covered by local plants, aims to provide safe passage for the mountain lions (Frederic J. BROWN)

When a Snake Stops a Bullet Train: The Global Importance of Wildlife Crossings

In a world where technology and nature often seem at odds, an incident in Japan earlier this year served as a whimsical reminder of their unpredictable intersections. In April 2024, a seemingly typical journey for Japan’s renowned bullet train was disrupted by an unusual passenger: a snake. This unexpected traveler slithered its way through a carriage, causing the train, which was supposed to depart from Tokyo to Osaka, to be taken out of service. This minor chaos delayed more than 600 passengers, highlighting that even the most sophisticated systems can be brought to a halt by the simplest of creatures.

While the snake on Japan’s bullet train was a rare occurrence, the integration of wildlife into human environments is becoming more deliberate and necessary. In Los Angeles, a groundbreaking project has recently reached a significant milestone: the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. This impressive overpass, which spans the bustling 101 Freeway, is designed to provide safe passage for a variety of animals, from mountain lions and coyotes to toads and ants. It’s hoped that this initiative will serve as a global model for urban wildlife conservation, demonstrating how human development and nature can coexist harmoniously.

The need for such crossings is particularly acute in Southern California, where urban sprawl has hemmed in many species, notably mountain lions. These majestic animals face significant threats from vehicle collisions and genetic isolation due to the barriers created by highways. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing aims to address these issues by providing a safe route for animals to access open spaces in the Santa Monica Mountains, facilitating genetic diversity and reducing the risk of roadkill.

Beth Pratt of the National Wildlife Federation underscores the importance of this project: “We don’t want more mountain lions or wildlife to get hit by cars. But also, the mountain lions south of the 101 right here, they’re inbreeding themselves out of existence. So, this is going to ensure a future for them in that they’ll get dates outside their family.” This crossing represents a beacon of hope for the future of these animals, offering them a better chance of survival in an increasingly urbanized world.

Construction of the crossing has progressed significantly, with the installation of the first girder to support its horizontal span completed in June 2024. This step brings the project closer to its expected completion in early 2025, when it will become the largest crossing of its kind in the world. The 210-foot-long and 165-foot-wide bridge will be fully landscaped, seamlessly integrating into the surrounding environment with brush and trees, providing a natural passageway for wildlife.

The challenges facing mountain lions are emblematic of broader issues that many species encounter as urban development encroaches on their habitats. Andy Blue of the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center notes, “Mountain lions have lived here forever, and now we’re building homes and facilities out on their property. So it’s inevitable that there’s going to be interaction between them.” The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing aims to mitigate these interactions by reconnecting fragmented habitats and allowing animals to move freely and safely.

Lauren Gill, the National Wildlife Federation’s deputy director for California, explains the significance of the crossing: “When the 101 freeway was constructed through this area about 60 years ago, it had the unintended consequence of cutting off all of the Santa Monica Mountains from another nearby mountain range. That separation created an island of habitat, cut off from all of the wild area to the north.” This isolation has led to reduced genetic diversity and a phenomenon known as an “extinction vortex,” where the population’s survival is at risk due to inbreeding and limited resources.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which will be covered by local plants, aims to remedy these problems by reconnecting the mountains and providing a safe passage for pumas and other fauna in the region. Gill adds, “You wouldn’t think that birds would need the help of a wildlife crossing. But in fact, we have some smaller birds like the wrentit, who are indigenous to this area, and they’re so tiny that the wind currents generated by the freeway make it impossible for them to cross.”

Once completed, the $80 million project will be the largest wildlife crossing in the world, according to organizers. This initiative is not just about preserving the local ecosystem but also about setting a precedent for how urban areas worldwide can integrate with nature.

The need for such protected zones is evident at the Ramona Wildlife Center, where all kinds of animals, from raccoons to bears, are nursed back to strength after falling sick or being orphaned or injured. Blue said “One to two mountain lions are struck by cars a week in California, and it’s the number one reason for mountain lion deaths in the state.” This highlights the importance of public education on how to interact with wildlife and the necessity of such crossings.

What’s Next for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing | Inside The Issues

Wildlife photographer Johanna Turner, who uses remote cameras to capture animals in their natural habitat, emphasizes the fragile balance of urban wildlife: “I just want people to know how lucky they are to have this wildness, and it can go away. It can end so fast.” The death of mountain lion P-22 in December 2022 was a wake-up call for Los Angeles, demonstrating the urgent need for conservation efforts like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.

As urban areas continue to expand, projects like this crossing offer a hopeful vision for the future where both people and animals can coexist peacefully. The stories of the snake on Japan’s bullet train and the ambitious efforts to protect wildlife in Los Angeles illustrate the diverse ways in which humans and animals interact and the ongoing efforts needed to ensure that wildlife can thrive alongside us.

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