Two Mountain Lions Die With Rat Poison in Systems

5th large cats to die since July

By Keldine Hull

National Park Service (NPS) officials confirmed on Tuesday that two GPS tracked mountain lions, P-30 and P-53, were recently found dead in the Santa Monica Mountains. According to NPS biologists, P-30, a healthy six- year old mountain lion, died from anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning.

“On September 9, biologists hiked into Topanga State Park to look for P-30 after his radio collar sent out a mortality signal. He was found dead with no obvious signs of injury or trauma,” NPS said in a statement. “His carcass was collected and a necropsy by the California Animal Health & Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory field office in San Bernardino revealed that he bled to death internally. The report documented that he had severe hemorrhaging in his brain and abdominal cavity. Approximately five liters of unclotted blood was found in his abdomen.”

P-53, a four- year old female mountain lion, was too decomposed by the time biologists found her body on August 15 in Malibu to determine a cause of death. Testing, however, identified compounds of anticoagulant rodenticide in her liver.

“Just about every mountain lion we’ve tested throughout our study has had exposure to these poisons, generally multiple compounds and often at high levels”

Seth Riley, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Wildlife Branch Chief

“Just about every mountain lion we’ve tested throughout our study has had exposure to these poisons, generally multiple compounds and often at high levels,” said ecologist and Wildlife Branch Chief for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) Seth Riley in a statement. “A wide range of predators can be exposed to these toxicants – everything from hawks and owls to bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and mountain lions. Even if they don’t die directly from the anticoagulant effects, our research has shown that bobcats, for example, are suffering significant immune system impacts.”

News of P-30 and P-53’s death comes months after the loss of other large cats in the NPS study. P-38, a male mountain lion, died from a gunshot wound to the head in early July. P-61, a four- year old mountain lion, was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to cross the 405 freeway in September. B-363, an adult male bobcat caught earlier this year, was killed by a vehicle on Kanan Road last month.

According to the NPS, the recent deaths highlight the potentially deadly obstacles mountain lions face in the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding areas.

Related Posts

Santa Monica Pier Launches “PIERfect Benefit” Fundraiser Amid Recovery Efforts

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The gathering will feature food, signature cocktails, live entertainment, and a program reflecting the Pier’s history and future. Proceeds will...

California Bolsters Firefighting Fleet Amid Federal Cuts

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The transition, which began in 2020, equips the fleet with advanced technology, including a 1,000-gallon water capacity—nearly triple that of...

Rent Relief Program Closes After Disbursing $81 Million in LA County

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The program offered grants of up to $30,000 per rental unit to cover past-due rent and eligible expenses dating back...

Fatal Crash Claims 9-Year-Old’s Life in Los Angeles

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was arrested for driving under the influence A tragic traffic...

Big Blue Bus to Restore Service on Route to Palisades

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The restoration is part of a broader summer service overhaul aimed at improving coverage across the Westside The Big Blue...

LACMA Acquires Jeff Koons Sculpture for New Galleries

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The announcement comes as the museum prepares for the 2026 opening of the David Geffen Galleries The Los Angeles County...

‘All Stars’ National Night Out Coming to Santa Monica on Tuesday

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The event, themed “Santa Monica All Stars,” aims to foster police-community partnerships through a sports-inspired evening The Santa Monica Police...

THIS WEEKEND: 49th Annual Festival of the Chariots to Roll Through Santa Monica and Venice

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The festival site at Ocean Front Walk Plaza will transform into a lively showcase of Indian culture, expecting around 50,000...

Newsom Curbs Housing Density in Fire-Scarred Palisades

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The executive order imposes a seven-day pause on SB 9 projects, which permit duplexes and lot splits on single-family parcels,...

Aging Mindfully: Zen-Inspired Senior Living Takes Shape in Simi Valley

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Two Zen-inspired senior living communities are embracing the reality of aging — consciously. Ensō Village, open since 2023 in Sonoma County,...

Getty Villa to Stage ‘Oedipus the King, Mama!’ for 19th Annual Outdoor Classical Theater

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

This vibrant reimagining of Sophocles’ classic tragedy blends the ancient tale of Oedipus with the music of Elvis Presley The...

Texas Kitchen Chain to Open Santa Monica Location at Former Fresh Corn Grill Site

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

The Santa Monica outpost will occupy a 3,050-square-foot space featuring a newly built kitchen and a large outdoor patio HomeState,...

(Video) Mystery Continues to Surround Venice Canal Dog Deaths, Health Officials Investigate

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

A Seventh Dog’s Death has Been Reported as Officials Urge Canine Owners to Report Any Related Cases (Video) Mystery Continues...

(Video) Why Do Signs in Palisades Demand that Mayor Bass Resign?

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Although the Mayor has issued an array of orders and actions to expedite recovery, some remain discontent Why Do Signs...

Palisades Sushi Restaurant Reopens After Wildfires, Offering Japanese-Thai Fusion Menu

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

The restaurant, located in the Highlands, faced significant challenges during the closure, with restricted access to the area Moku Sushi,...

Comments
Leave a Reply