July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Mountain Lions and SM Mountains Post Woolsey Fire

Santa Monica Mountains recover from disaster.

By Keldine Hull

With over 150,000 acres of hiking trails, beaches and canyons, the sprawling terrain of the Santa Monica Mountains has always been an integral part of California’s diverse landscape. Last year’s devastating Woolsey fire scorched nearly half of the total land in the Santa Monica Mountains, threatening the natural habitat for over 500 species, including the notable mountain lions (which are the same animal as pumas and cougars). 

“We were tracking 13 mountain lions when the fire broke out. Of those, we believe that one, P-74, perished in the fire. Another male, P-64, died a few weeks after the fire. We are awaiting an official cause of death from a necropsy being performed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, but he did have burned paws,” said a spokesperson for the National Park Service (NPS).

The Los Angeles area is just one of two megacities in the world with a population of large cats. Just over three months after the onset of the Wooley fire, how mountain lions, have adjusted to their affected habitat is still unknown.

“With regards to how they adapt, we don’t yet know the answer to that question. What we’ve seen so far is that mountain lions, whose home ranges are within the burned areas, are still using those areas, but may be spending less time there and traveling through it. The exception to this is P-65, a young female whose home range has continued to be entirely within the burn area. It’s likely that she is finding unburned spots within the burn perimeter and finding deer to prey on,” the spokesperson said.

Migration for mountain lions and other wildlife to other regions is extremely difficult, due mostly to ocean and freeways that surround the Santa Monica Mountains. 

As destructive as the Woolsey fire was, other factors still pose a bigger threat to the welfare and safety of mountain lions.

“The biggest threat to the well-being of mountain lions in this area continues to be habitat fragmentation due to roads and development. After a major fire that burned so much of the Santa Monica Mountains, the need for habitat connectivity is even greater,” the spokesperson said. 

The devastating impact of the Woolsey fire highlights the importance of continued research on the long-term effects of natural disasters on wildlife

“I think research is critical to understanding how a fire of this scale affects mountain lions and other wildlife. On a broader scale, supporting efforts that improve habitat connectivity are critical to ensuring the long-term survival of mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains. The best example of this is the effort to construct a wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills. This effort would connect the Santa Monica Mountains to the larger habitat areas to the north,” the spokesperson said.

Organizations like NPS play a significant role in safeguarding the Santa Monica Mountains and the wildlife that dwells there.

“Our job is to preserve and protect the flora and fauna in the Santa Monica Mountains. We want to preserve the wildness of the Santa Monica Mountains, and we think mountain lions are a very important part of that,” the spokesperson said.

<>Related Posts

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...