A first of its kind wildlife crossing in Northern California has been proposed over Highway 101 in San Benito County — the latest project in the state's efforts to provide safe passage for mountain lions and other animals over dangerous roadways.
About $21 million has been raised to fund the overpass at 2,600-acre Rock's Ranch, the nonprofit Land Trust of Santa Cruz County announced earlier this year. The wildlife corridor would connect the Santa Cruz and Gabilan mountain ranges and expand the habitat for mountain lions, deer, bobcats and other animals.
"Wildlife needs a lot more than just isolated islands of habitats," said Sarah Newkirk, the executive director of the nonprofit Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. "Habitat areas need to be connected to one another so that a wide-ranging species like mountain lions can get from place to place, establish new territories and enhance their genetic diversity."
