08/11/2026
California’s first wildlife overpass is already proving its worth, with mule deer becoming the first animals to safely cross the new bridge.
Just 15 hours after construction crews left the site, trail cameras captured three mule deer using the 100-foot-long, 140-foot-wide overcrossing on State Route 97 in Siskiyou County.
The $20 million Caltrans project was built to reconnect wildlife habitats and provide a safer alternative to a dangerous highway corridor near the Oregon border. Between 2015 and 2020, more than 50 deer and 16 elk were killed by vehicles in the area.
A bobcat was also later spotted using the crossing, showing how quickly wildlife can adapt when given a safer route.
The project includes two miles of eight-foot-high fencing to guide animals toward the overpass, along with a nearby wildlife underpass. The system is designed to reduce dangerous animal-vehicle collisions while protecting species such as black bears, elk, mountain lions, and gray wolves.
With nearly 100 cameras being used to monitor wildlife activity, researchers hope California’s first wildlife overcrossing can become a model for similar projects across the state. 🦌🌲
🎥 Watch the full video and see the incredible details for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18azvsDMsPU
Source: UC Davis News (2026)
