Wildlife isn’t waiting for the grand opening of Los Angeles’ newest bridge. A coyote has become the first animal documented crossing the massive Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills.
Two wildlife cameras captured the coyote making its way north across the structure at around 1:35 a.m. on Thursday, November 5th, according to the Santa Monica Mountains National Park Service. The sighting came almost a month before the crossing’s official opening, scheduled for December 2nd.
The news was shared by biologist Jeff Sikich and Beth Pratt, leader of the Save L.A. Cougars campaign. Interestingly, the two had previously made predictions about which animal would be the first to use the bridge. Sikich guessed a coyote, while Pratt had picked a mule deer.
A major milestone for California wildlife
The $114 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is designed to help animals safely move between habitats that have been separated by the busy 101 Freeway.
Construction began in 2022, following decades of planning, research and fundraising. The main concrete structure stretches 210 feet long and 174 feet wide over the freeway, making it the world’s largest wildlife crossing of its kind.
A section connecting the crossing over Old Agoura Road was also installed recently. Workers are now adding soil and vegetation to help blend the structure into the surrounding landscape.
Helping mountain lions and other wildlife
The crossing is particularly important for Southern California’s mountain lions, whose populations have become increasingly isolated by roads and urban development. Animals such as bears, coyotes, and deer are also expected to benefit from the new route.
By reconnecting habitats, the project aims to reduce dangerous encounters with traffic, support genetic diversity, and help protect local wildlife populations.
The first coyote sighting is an encouraging sign that the structure is already serving its purpose. Its official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for December 2, 2026.
