Photos of mountain lions in Orange County, CA, by Mark Girardeau
California wildlife officials announced this week that protections for several mountain lion populations, from the Bay Area and Central Coast to Southern California, are warranted under the California Endangered Species Act. The final decision will come from the California Fish and Game Commission in February, marking a potentially historic step for the state’s iconic pumas.
For years, World Animal News has reported on the heartbreaking and devastating loss of mountain lions across Southern California. Many have died slow, agonizing deaths from rodenticide poisoning, while others have been struck and killed on busy highways as their shrinking habitat forces them to cross dangerous roads. These repeated tragedies highlight exactly why these cats need stronger, permanent protections.…