Scientists found traces of rodenticide, or poison, in the system of a mountain lion that was found dead in the Santa Monica Mountains last month. However, the exact cause of death could not be determined because the animal’s was partially decomposed.
“Unfortunately we’ll never know exactly why this animal died,” said Dr. Seth Riley, an expert on urban wildlife with Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). “Mountain lions in this region face a number of challenges to survive and rodenticide exposure is certainly a common—and entirely preventable—health risk for local wildlife.”
The levels of poison were relatively low, according to a release from National Parks Service, and the animal probably contracted the poison indirectly by eating another animal that was infected.
A group of hikers discovered the body of the mountain lion, identified as Puma-25, on Oct. 21 near Newbury Park in Point Mugu State Park.
Biologists do not believe female one-year-old died as a result of a fight with another lion or from lack of nutrition.