Southern California sees summer season of mountain lion kittens

A increase in mountain lion births has occurred this summer season in Southern California

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A mountain lion child increase has occurred this summer season within the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills west of Los Angeles.

13 kittens have been born to 5 mountain lion moms between Could and August, in response to the Santa Monica Mountains Nationwide Recreation Space.

It’s the primary time so many mountain lion dens have been discovered inside such a brief time period through the 18 years by which the area’s cougar inhabitants has been studied by the Nationwide Park Service.

Probably the most dens discovered beforehand in a single 12 months was 4, unfold throughout 10 months in 2015.

Biologists go to dens whereas the moms are away to carry out well being checks on kittens, decide intercourse and apply ear tags.

“This stage of copy is a good factor to see, particularly since half of our mountains burned nearly two years in the past through the Woolsey Hearth,” wildlife biologist Jeff Sikich mentioned in a press release.

“Will probably be fascinating to see how these kittens use the panorama within the coming years and navigate the numerous challenges, each pure and human-caused, they may face as they get older and disperse.”

The research is wanting into how the large cats survive in habitat fragmented by urbanization amid threats together with lack of genetic range, roadway deaths and poisons. They largely keep away from individuals.