By: Lexie Cardine

According to the Federal Highway Administration, road accidents kill over one million large animals in the United States each year.¹ The gross reality behind this statistic isn’t just the sheer amount of creatures that is; it’s also the fact that this is a major underestimate. Since that number only accounts for accidents that are actually reported, the real value is significantly higher. Beth Pratt, the California Director of the National Wildlife Federation, discussed this issue in an interview with CNN saying, “...If you add in the little guys — frogs and butterflies — we’re talking [a number] in the billions.”¹

The city of Los Angeles holds the issue of animal auto accidents close to their heart, especially after one of their beloved friends became a victim. Named P-22, this mountain lion quickly became a celebrity for the locals after he was seen roaming around people’s neighborhoods.¹ Whether it was while they ate dinner or from the deck of their homes, seeing P-22 would brighten people’s days. It was as if you unexpectedly ran into a good friend, rather than a wild mountain lion that would typically spark fear.

P-22’s life was severely affected by human development, as are the lives of so many creatures around the world. At an early age, the young mountain lion had to miraculously cross two of L.A.’s busiest freeways, landing his name in multiple headlines.² From that point on he managed to survive in the Griffith Park area, which for a mountain lion is much too small. Surrounded by the 101 and 134 freeways, P-22’s habitat only covered eight square miles. Compared to the typical 100 square miles that male mountain lions roam, it is clear that P-22’s habitat size acted as a hindrance in his life.¹ Trapped by the freeways, he was never able to find a mate before his passing in December 2022.

Motivated by P-22’s story, people of all kinds felt the need for change. A common interest appeared to be drawn toward a wildlife overpass, but one major issue stood in the way of that plan: funding. Beth Pratt, who was so inspired by the mountain lion’s story that she got a tattoo in his memory, was not going to let money stand in the way. Dressed in her casual clothes and hiking boots, Pratt took it upon herself to go door to door, asking anyone she could for donations. Thanks to the city’s widespread love for P-22, the money came pouring in. Even celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Barbra Streisand helped send endowments for the project.¹

Currently in construction, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is projected to be completed within the next couple of years. Spanning 210 feet over the 10 lane-wide 101 freeway, this bridge is expected to provide a multitude of benefits to both animals and humans.³ For animals, aside from the obvious decrease in the amount of roadkill, wildlife crossings help increase biodiversity everywhere. Without crossings, species get cut off from mating possibilities and the necessary resources that they need in order to thrive. On the other side are human benefits, including a lower risk of crashing into wildlife as well as less time spent in traffic due to road closures. The overall impact of this wildlife crossing will leave a lasting effect that will push for a new wave of animal safety.