Recent mountain lion death on Yucca Grade highlights need for wildlife crossing
The call came in around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, a fatality on the Yucca Grade – an unlucky mountain lion crossed paths with a moving vehicle and lost its life. The male cat, approximately 18 months old, was attempting to cross Highway 62 but never made it.
The struck lion came from the San Gabriel-San Bernardino Mountains population listed earlier this year as a Threatened Evolutionarily Significant Unit under the California Endangered Species Act.
The big cat’s death brought fresh attention to the call for wildlife crossings in the area. With as many as 1,500 such crossings in the U.S., these overpass structures are designed to provide safe passage for wildlife while also reducing dangerous vehicle collisions. The crossings also address the challenge of wildlife in-breeding among secluded populations.
Last February, California’s Wildlife Conservation Board entrusted $5.5 million in grant funding to the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) for the design of two wildlife crossings over Highway 62 – arching the Morongo and Yucca grades. These segments are known for wildlife fatalities including mountain lion, black bear, deer, and bighorn sheep.
The proposed crossings will have an earthen base that feature native plants across sloping arcs. Each side will feature directional fencing to guide wildlife to the crossing as well as some blockage of traffic light and noise.
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