Proposed Wildlife Crossings Aim to Protect Animals and Drivers Along Highway 62

Efforts to protect wildlife and improve driver safety in the California desert are gaining momentum, as the Mojave Desert Land Trust proposes building two wildlife crossings over Highway 62. The goal is to reduce the high number of animal deaths along the busy route and restore crucial habitat connections between Joshua Tree National Park, Sand to Snow National Monument, San Gorgonio Wilderness, and the San Bernardino National Forest.

According to MDLT’s recent study, more than 230 wildlife deaths were recorded in a single year along a stretch of Highway 62. The proposed crossings—essentially wide, plant-covered overpasses—would be built to blend into the natural environment, providing safe passage for large animals like mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, and the increasingly imperiled bighorn sheep.

Kelly Herbinson, MDLT’s executive director, says habitat fragmentation caused by roads is one of the primary threats to wildlife in the area. “They need more space,” she explained, adding that the crossings would benefit not only the animals but also motorists, by reducing potentially dangerous wildlife collisions.

The concept follows the example of the Wallace Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills. MDLT is now working to complete the planning phase and secure funding to make the project a reality.