Caltrans District 5 is continuing its work to initiate a wildlife study in the Gaviota Pass region of Santa Barbara County within the Highway 101 corridor. Results of the study will help identify potential enhancements to promote the safe passage of wildlife. The study is expected to begin in August.

The research will analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of wildlife movements and roadkill along Highway 101 through the Gaviota Pass corridor using systematic monitoring and roadkill surveys, along with assessments of existing infrastructure and surrounding land use.

Caltrans plans to conduct the study along the 101 corridor at Gaviota Pass from approximately the Nojoqui summit to Mariposa Reina. The area has experienced a higher level of roadkill, which include mountain lion and black bear. This area for wildlife habitat connectivity has been identified as a priority landscape linkage area.

Caltrans will partner with a consultant who will gather seasonal data during the 12-month wildlife connectivity study in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The goal is to identify potential areas where wildlife safety can be enhanced, as well as locations where wildlife are successfully crossing under the highway.

The report also will include recommendations for approaches to reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions.

The effort by Caltrans is consistent with other wildlife habitat connectivity studies and will help determine how animals are using the landscape, and identify priority locations for wildlife habitat connectivity enhancements.

Aside from roadkill observations, Caltrans is working to determine how wildlife is using the landscape in the corridor. The study is a key step to provide a comprehensive and objective perspective needed to guide management decisions in this area.

Caltrans has established successful wildlife crossings near Highway 46 East and Hwy. 101 in San Luis Obispo County. A similar wildlife crossing is planned near Hwy. 17 in Santa Cruz County.

For traffic updates, contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs, 805-549-3318 or visit https//dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5.