Something Wild Is Happening Near Malibu

Imagine driving along the 101 Freeway while a mountain lion safely crosses above you. That’s the idea behind the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, set to open December 2 in Agoura Hills, just over the mountains from Malibu. Covered in native plants and wildflowers, the bridge will give wildlife a safe way to cross the busy freeway.

Not Your Average Overpass

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will be the largest of its kind in the world and one of the first built in a major urban area. It includes two bridges: one over the 101 Freeway and another over Agoura Road, connecting the surrounding hillsides so animals can travel safely between them.

The crossing will be covered with nearly an acre of native plants, with sound walls to reduce freeway noise. And unlike a typical overpass, it will be exclusively for wildlife, with no walking trails or public access.

Why Does a Mountain Lion Need a Bridge?

For decades, the 101 Freeway has separated wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains from the open land to the north. This is especially challenging for mountain lions, which need large areas to roam. With only an estimated 10 to 15 adult and adolescent mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains, limited movement between habitats has led to dangerously low genetic diversity.

One of the most famous examples is P-22, the mountain lion who crossed two freeways to reach Griffith Park. He lived there for nearly a decade, isolated from other mountain lions, and became a symbol of the need for this crossing.

But mountain lions aren't the only animals that will benefit. Bobcats, coyotes, deer, foxes, birds, and even butterflies will have a safer way to move between habitats.

The goal isn't to bring more mountain lions into local neighborhoods. It's to help the wildlife already living in our mountains stay healthy and connected.

The Bridge Is Built. Now Comes the Greenery.

The main structures are complete, and crews are now focused on making the crossing blend into the surrounding hillsides.

Around 6,000 cubic yards of specially prepared soil have been added to the bridge, along with native plants grown from seeds collected in the area. About 5,000 plants will cover the crossing itself, with another 50,000 planned for the surrounding 12 acres.

The new habitat is already attracting wildlife. By spring, native flowers were blooming, bringing bees, butterflies, and birds to the crossing.

Opening Day Is Almost Here

After two very wet springs pushed back the schedule, the crossing is set to open for wildlife on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. The one wild card is the weather, since heavy rain could still slow the final soil work. Some planting and finishing will continue after opening day.

The animals get the bridge. The rest of us get the party.

Want to See It for Yourself?

You can't walk across, but there are still plenty of ways to watch it come together.

• From home: The official crossing website has live webcams, with images updated every ten minutes.
• On the trail: Trails on both sides of the 101 at Liberty Canyon offer views of the site, and a public viewing platform is planned. Construction may limit access and parking.
• On a tour: Free docent tours are on a brief hiatus, so check back for the new schedule.
• Before you drive: Closures and delays are still possible around Agoura Road and Liberty Canyon. Check the latest City of Agoura Hills updates before you head out.

Why It Feels Close to Home

One of the best things about living in Malibu isn't just the homes. It's the natural beauty that surrounds them. From canyon trails and ocean views to the wildlife that calls these mountains home, the outdoors is a big part of what makes this area so special.

The same is true for neighboring communities like Topanga, Calabasas, and Agoura Hills, where open space and nature are part of everyday life.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is an important step toward protecting what makes these communities so unique. It allows wildlife to move safely through the mountains while preserving the natural environment that residents love.

After all, part of what makes Malibu real estate so special is everything that surrounds it.

We're lucky to call this beautiful corner of California home, and it's worth protecting for the wildlife that shares it with us.

Sources: Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, Save LA Cougars, City of Agoura Hills. Opening dates, event details, and construction schedules are subject to change.