P-61 Mountain Lion Crosses Freeway

Cougar crosses 405 in first-time event

By Keldine Hull

For the first time throughout the course of a 17-year study of mountain lions in or around the Santa Monica Mountains, a GPS tracked lion has crossed the 405 freeway. The rare event was documented by the National Park Service (NPS) in the Sepulveda Pass area on July 19 between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. P-61, a four-year old mountain lion first captured and outfitted with a GPS collar in October 2017, was headed east according to NPS footage. 

“Although P-61 successfully crossed the 405, his feat is a reminder of how challenging Southern California’s road network is for mountain lions and other wildlife, as well. Others haven’t been so lucky,” said Jeff Sikich, biologist for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, in a National Park Service news release. 

https://twitter.com/SantaMonicaMtns/status/1159516707129417728

P-18, a cougar outfitted with a GPS collar, had a much different outcome than P-61 and was killed in 2011 while trying to cross the 405. In 2009, a lion not associated with the mountain lion study was also killed while attempting to cross the 405. Although uncollared at the time, P-22 is the most well-known mountain lion to successfully cross the freeway. P- 22 was born in the Santa Monica Mountains and currently resides in Griffith Park. Through DNA tests, researchers believe that P-22 crossed both the 405 and 101 freeways approximately 7 years ago. 

Since P-61 has a GPS collar that records data points in the area, researches will be presented with a rare opportunity to learn more about landscape connectivity. According to Sikich, “It will be interesting to see if P-61 stays in the area, whether he decides to challenge the uncollared lion, or if he heads back to the other side of the freeway.”

in News
Related Posts

City Council Bans “Disaster Tours” in Fire-Ravaged Palisades

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

The Department of Transportation will install signs at entry points prohibiting vehicles over 6,000 pounds, a limit most tour buses...

Westside Classics Car Show Set to Roll into Venice Beach

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

The show will feature a curated lineup of vintage sedans, low-slung cruisers, and unique custom builds The Westside Classics Car...

Raising Cane’s Plans New Location on 3rd Street Promenade

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

The move marks the chain’s latest expansion in California Louisiana-based fast-food chain Raising Cane’s confirmed to the Santa Monica Mirror...

(Video) Public Transit Returns to Pacific Palisades

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

The Return is Part of a Broader Summer Overhaul, Aiming to Boost Connectivity Across the Westside Public Transit Returns to...

Vittorio’s Pizza Relocating to Canyon Square After Palisades Wildfire

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

The fire reduced the restaurant to ashes, erasing 40 years of memories and leaving 16 families without their primary income...

(Video) Come Tour The Willows Community School!

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Sign up for a tour at The Willows and come see what makes our school such a vibrant, inspiring place...

Overnight Roadwork on 405 Freeway Through Sepulveda Pass Continues This Week

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Drivers can expect intermittent closures of up to two lanes in each direction Caltrans will close lanes overnight on Interstate...

Search Underway for Missing 14-Year-Old in Santa Monica Mountains

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

The sheriff’s department considers Wind a habitual runaway and is urging the public to contact Detective Aquino The Los Angeles...

Army Corps Nears Completion of Palisades Wildfire Cleanup

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Debris removal began in late January with the Environmental Protection Agency handling hazardous materials, followed by Army Corps-led crews tackling...

Last Thursday Concert Series Concludes This Week with Cynotic Youth, No Reac!on, and Silver Fish

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full lineup and support local businesses The Venice Summer Concert Series...

Abbot Kinney Festival Canceled for Second Straight Year

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Organizers expressed hope that the additional time will allow them to restructure and deliver a more vibrant event in 2026...

Santa Monica Police Chief Resigns, Deputy Chief Fills Role

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

City Manager Chi praised Batista’s leadership, stating, “His dedication and vision have positively shaped our Police Department.” Santa Monica Police...

Repairs and Cleanups Underway for Marvin Braude Bike Trail, Posetano Road

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

The effort follows a historic atmospheric storm in early 2024 that eroded part of the popular 22-mile trail Repairs to...

Rally Against SB 79 Draws Crowds in Palisades

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

The bill, which advanced through Senate and Assembly committees, faces review by the Assembly Appropriations Committee this week, with a...

Beloved Santa Monica Art Gallery to Close Amid Financial Hardships

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

Originally opened in 1987, the gallery was the first tenant in Frank Gehry’s Edgemar building in Santa Monica After nearly...

Comments
Leave a Reply