SR-62 Wildlife Crossing Study Has Begun
California researchers are surveying highway routes to improve safety and restore habitat connectivity for local wildlife.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Wildlife
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Researchers began surveying State Route 62 near Joshua Tree National Park on September 25 to help design future wildlife crossings. The study aims to restore habitat connectivity and reduce the risk of collisions between vehicles and animals like bighorn sheep.
Why it matters
Wildlife-vehicle collisions represent a significant safety concern, with 232 fatal incidents documented on SR-62 alone between late 2019 and 2020. This multi-year effort seeks to address these hazards while supporting genetic exchange for mountain lions, bobcats, and bighorn sheep.
The Mojave Desert Land Trust secured over $6 million in state grants, including $5.5 million from the California Wildlife Conservation Board and $512,000 from the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy. The initial study phase is scheduled to run through April 2027.
The players
Mojave Desert Land Trust
A non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Mojave Desert ecosystem and securing resources for conservation projects.
California Wildlife Conservation Board
A state agency that implements programs to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats across California.
Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy
A state agency focused on the acquisition and management of open space and wildlife habitat within the Coachella Valley.
The details
To map animal movement, researchers are collecting scat samples for DNA analysis to identify individual animals and their migration patterns. Beginning October 6, 2026, specialized detection dogs will join the team to help locate scat in the field. This biological data will guide the design of crossings aimed at connecting the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino Mountains.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: The first phase of the study began.
October 6, 2026: Detection dogs and their handlers join the field survey.
April 2027: The first phase of the research is scheduled to conclude.
Spring 2027: Roadkill surveys are slated to begin.
December 2029: The second phase of the study is scheduled to conclude.
The Home Front
This planning phase follows a statewide trend toward major wildlife infrastructure projects like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. These initiatives signal a long-term regulatory commitment to reducing road hazards for both commuters and regional animal populations.
Drivers frequenting State Route 62 should remain alert for researchers and detection dogs operating near the roadside throughout the study phases. Residents in the area should keep an eye on project updates if they encounter wildlife in their neighborhoods, as the study results may eventually change local traffic patterns.
The takeaway
The study aims to create safer travel corridors by better understanding how local species traverse the landscape. Residents interested in the project can track progress on the California Wildlife Conservation Board website as the multi-year planning phase advances.
What happens next
The survey project is divided into two distinct phases, with the initial research scheduled to run through April 2027, followed by a second phase ending in December 2029. Officials estimate that the full design and construction process for the crossings could span seven to eight years.
Further reading
For more on local conservation efforts and habitat protection, visit Wildlife.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize funding wildlife crossings over other local infrastructure projects?
