Los Angeles is a metropolitan den for mountain lions
July 13, 2016
A new study from UCLA and the National Park Service investigates where mountain lions like to hunt in highly urbanized areas. Seth Riley, a wildlife ecologist with the National Park Service and a co-author of the study, says the research may be used to better understand the risks mountain lions face in our urban environment. The greatest risk to their survival appears to be inbreeding resulting from isolation from other mountain lion populations. According to Riley, the genetic diversity of Los Angeles mountain lions would benefit from the installation of a wildlife bridge over the 101 freeway, which presently restricts their movement.
Source: Los Angeles is a metropolitan den for mountain lions UCLA Newsroom, 13 July 2016
Additional coverage about Los Angeles County mountain lions:
L.A.’s mountain lions could be near extinction in 50 years Los Angeles Times, 31 August 2016
Mountain lions in Santa Monica Mountains face extinction, study says Los Angeles Daily News, 30 August 2016
Mountain lions hemmed in by Los Angeles Freeways may go extinct, researchers warn BuzzFeed News, 30 Aug 2016
15 threatened natural treasures and the UCLA scientists working to save them UCLA Newsroom, 9 August 2016
In L.A., citizens cohabitate with predatory cats KPCC-FM, 19 July 2016
Mountain Lions of L.A. 60 Minutes, 17 July 2016
The Mountain Lions Are Hunting Among Us LAist, 14 July 2016
Surprising hunting locations of mountain lions KNBC, 14 July 2016