Mule deer already using incomplete $20m wildlife bridge in California

Article excerpt

Three mule deer crossed a $20 million wildlife bridge over Route 97 in Siskiyou County before construction even finished, camera traps revealed. The structure, built by California's Department of Transportation, marks the state's first wildlife crossing over a major highway. The project aims to reduce collisions between vehicles and animals while allowing deer herds to move safely across the divided landscape. Early adoption by the deer, who arrived unbidden, without waiting for official opening ceremonies, suggests the engineering gamble is working.