Topline:
The mountain lion was hit last night on Pacific Coast Highway near Leo Carrillo State Beach.
An adult male mountain lion was struck around 6:30 p.m Tuesday. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) was notified at about 7 p.m. and contacted a local veterinarian to prepare for possible treatment. But when they arrived, it became clear the lion's injuries — which included broken bones, lacerations and likely internal injuries — would be fatal.
The mountain lion died on scene at around 9:30 p.m.
Numerous mountain lions in the area are collared, tracked, and studied by the National Park Service, but this particular lion was not, so scientists did not have any additional information about him.
According to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which tracks mountain lions in the region, as of December at least 32 mountain lions (collared and uncollared) have been killed by vehicles on roads.
The death of P-22, our most famous local mountain lion, was attributed in part to a collision with a car in the weeks before he was euthanized.
The CDFW says drivers need to be aware of the potential for wildlife to be crossing our roads.
"Unfortunately, wildlife cross roadways, freeways and highways to get to areas where they feel they have better opportunities in food, companionship, etc.," said Tim Daly, CDFW public information officer. "So we just ask that drivers remain aware of that possibility and, at night, drive with your lights on."
Last April, workers broke ground on what will be the world’s largest wildlife crossing. The Wallis Annenberg Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing with cross eight lanes of the 101 Freeway and is expected to be complete by 2025.
