Camera Study – Mitigation of Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in coordination with Caltrans District 11, plans to install game cameras along specific segments of State Routes 76, 78, and 79 in San Diego County to gather data on wildlife movement patterns at locations with high rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The cameras will be positioned at key points including PM 52.3 on SR 76, PM 53.04 on SR 78, and multiple checkpoints on SR 79 to systematically monitor wildlife activity near identified barriers that hinder animal movement across the landscape. The goal is to assess how these roadways function as obstacles to wildlife connectivity and to pinpoint areas where mitigation structures such as wildlife crossings or fencing could reduce collisions and improve ecological connectivity. The data collected will support joint efforts between CDFW and Caltrans to evaluate the effectiveness of current infrastructure in blocking or facilitating animal passage, ultimately informing future mitigation efforts aimed at enhancing road user safety and protecting native species. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the growing impact of transportation networks on wildlife populations and to implement science-based solutions that benefit both human and ecological health. The project is publicly forecasted with a posting date of June 18, 2026, and inquiries can be directed to Leticia Santillana Fernandez, Environmental Scientist at Caltrans District 11.