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Could SoCal mountain lions get permanent protections? Wildlife officials to decide early next year
The California Fish and Game Commission on Thursday called for permanent protections for the big cats in the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel, San Bernardino Mountains and others.
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Johanna Turner
)
Topline:
Southern California’s mountain lions could get permanent protections from state wildlife officials.
What happened: The California Fish and Game Commission on Thursday called for permanent protections for the big cats in the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel, San Bernardino Mountains and other areas. The protections are warranted under the state’s Endangered Species Act, according to the commission.
How were SoCal’s big cats involved: The Center and Mountain Lion Foundation petitioned the commission to protect six mountain lion populations in Southern California and on the Central Coast. In 2020, the commission unanimously granted temporary protections to those populations while the Department of Fish and Wildlife considered permanent ones.
Why it matters: Mountain lions are doing fine in some parts of the state, but here in Southern California, they’re struggling due to development and urban sprawl.
What are the protections? The California Endangered Species Act makes it illegal for any person or agency to import, export, take, possess, or purchase a listed species. On top of that, Proposition 117 makes it illegal to take, injure, possess, transport, import, or sell a mountain lion.
What else is being done to help: In Agoura Hills, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is in its final construction stage to help pumas, bobcats, deer, bats, birds and other animals — big and small — cross over the 101 Freeway. The project is on track to be finished by the end of next year.
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What’s next: The California Fish and Game Commission is expected to make a final decision on during a two-day meeting on Feb. 11 and 12.
Go deeper… on L.A.'s famed wildlife, listen to Imperfect Paradise: Lions, Coyotes & Bears.
Listen
50:06
Lions, Coyotes, & Bears: Part 1 - The Mountain Lion Celebrity
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