Three mountain lion kittens have been fatally struck by vehicles in LA County recently, according to the National Parks Service.
One untagged kitten died on Jan. 20 on Kanan Dume Road, south of the 101 freeway. Two others were killed on the 126 Freeway in the northwest portion of the county. The two died in “an area that is an important habitat connection for the Santa Monica Mountains,” according to NPS.
A major reason for these accidents is believed to be the roads, which present a challenge to animals wanting to cross into neighboring habitats.Â
“Roads are a challenge not only because mountain lions keep getting hit and killed by cars, but also because major roads such as freeways lead to reduced genetic diversity and also higher rates of lion-on-lion conflict,” said Dr. Seth Riley, an urban wildlife expert at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.Â
Another common cause of death has been lion-on-lion contact. The young aren’t able to evade the larger lions in spaces confined by local roads, according to NPS. The NPS conducted a 12-year study that showed 13 mountain lions have been killed by vehicles in the Santa Monica mountains and surrounding habitats. Some Santa Monica mountain lions have also been reported to be the result of inbreeding.
Working with Caltrans, the Resource Conservation District and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy are developing a study on solutions for the roadway problem endangered mountain lions face. But a $10-million dollar price tag that comes with possible solutions, including an underground tunnel or overpass.
