P-122, a GPS-collared mountain lion that researchers had been tracking in the western Santa Monica Mountains, was shot on private land in the Thousand Oaks area after the animal attacked sheep, according to officials. The lion was transported to the Los Angeles Zoo, where veterinarians found severe injuries and recommended euthanasia. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife later issued an after-the-fact depredation permit for the property owner.
How the shooting unfolded
According to state wildlife officials, the landowner first fired a warning shot with a .22-caliber firearm before later shooting the lion with a .30-06 rifle while the cat was actively preying on sheep on private property adjacent to open habitat. Using data from the mountain lion’s GPS collar and a VHF transmitter, authorities located the animal after the attack. The department investigated and concluded that the killing complied with state law, then issued an after-the-fact depredation permit, as reported by the Ventura County Star.
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