California Department of Fish and Wildlife Confirms Death of Four-Year-Old Mountain Lion on Pacific Coast Highway

P-81 found on Pacific Coast Highway near Las Posas Road

On Sunday, January 22, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) sadly confirmed the death of P-81, a four-year-old mountain lion. The animal’s body was collected on Pacific Coast Highway near Las Posas Road in the western Santa Monica Mountains. A necropsy will be performed to confirm the cause of death.

P-81 was significant due to his physical abnormalities – a kinked tail that formed an “L” shape and only one descended testicle – which marked the first evidence of potential inbreeding depression due to lack of genetic diversity since 2002 when biologists began studying mountain lions in the park. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway – currently under construction in Agoura Hills – is key for connecting wildlife populations within the Santa Monica Mountains, including mountain lions, with other populations to the north.

Vehicle strikes are unfortunately leading to a large number of deaths among mountain lions; nine have already been reported between March 2022 and today (January 22nd). Of these nine deaths, six were radio-collared animals including P-81, bringing their total number of deaths from road mortality since 2002 up to 34.

in News
Related Posts

THIS WEEKEND: Fire Fundraiser Block Party Coming to Washington Square

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Reggae performances, comedy acts and more to be featured Nalu Vida will host a community block party on Feb. 8...

Open Arms Art Show Runs Through Mar. 22 in Burbank

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Opening Exhibition Saturday Feb. 8 from 12 to 8p.m. More than an art show, the Open Arms Exhibition is an...

Quiet Luxury: What’s Inside the New Regent Boutique and Sweet July

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

The Regent Santa Monica Beach, known for its perfect Santa Monica getaways, or local dining at its Mediterranean-based restaurant Orla...

10-Year-Old Palisades Girl Wins Martial Arts Medals Weeks After Losing Home to Fire

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Savoian, a green belt in Yoshukai karate, trained at Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center in Pacific Palisades Just weeks after...

(Photos) Kamala Harris Visits Destruction of Palisades Fire

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Harris spoke with first responders, service providers, and evacuees about recovery efforts and resources Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined...

Pacific Palisades Farmers Market Finds New Temporary Home in Brentwood After Fire

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Displaced Vendors and Shoppers Reunite at the Brentwood Farmers Market. The Pacific Palisades Farmers Market, displaced by the recent Palisades...

SaMoHi Science Teacher Arrested for Alleged Student Relationship

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Ingo Gaida Faces Misdemeanor Charges After Investigation into Inappropriate Conduct A Santa Monica High School science teacher was arrested Wednesday,...

Dead Body Found on Sands of Venice Beach, Investigation Underway

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

A death investigation is underway By Zach Armstrong A death investigation is underway after local officials discovered a dead body...

Will Rogers State Beach to Become Temporary Hazardous Waste Site

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

The site, located on flat, open land near the burn zone, will serve as a staging area where materials will...

Santa Monica’s Earth, Wind & Flour to Close After More Than Four Decades

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Known for its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to traditional California Italian cuisine, Earth, Wind & Flour has remained largely unchanged...

Supermarket Reopens in Palisades Following Wildfire Damage

February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025

The store is currently operating on a generator until power is fully restored The Vons supermarket at 17380 W Sunset...

Palisades Charter High School to Host Benefit for Students Affected by Fires

February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025

Proceeds from the benefit will go toward replacing essential student resources lost in the fires, including sporting equipment, musical instruments,...

World-Renowned Trumpeter Plays on Ruins of Palisades Home

February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025

Lindemann, a professor at UCLA and a former lead trumpeter with the Canadian Brass, has performed in prestigious venues worldwide...

Santa Monica Continues to Seek Partnership to Reopen Civic Auditorium

February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025

The selection process for a development team began in late 2023, when the City Council invited Letters of Interest from...

(Video) Los Angeles Marathon Returns For 40th Anniversary

February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025

Register at mccourtfoundation.org Register at https://t.co/JUuzwhVeun pic.twitter.com/3m3wiyoBm4 — Palisades News (@PalisadesNewsLA) February 4, 2025