Posted on 09/02/2020 8:02:07 PM PDT by BenLurkin
National Park Service officials on Wednesday reported finding a record number of mountain lion dens in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills during what they’re calling “a summer of kittens.”
Five mountain lions gave birth to a total of 13 kittens from May to August 2020, according to a statement from the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
That’s a record number of dens within the time period during the officials’ 18-year-study of mountain lions in the area. The previous record, four dens found across 10 months, was reported in 2015.
Jeff Sikich, a wildlife biologist who has been studying the Santa Monica Mountains’ resident felines, called “this level of reproduction a great thing to see, especially since half of our mountains burned almost two years ago during the Woolsey Fire.”
Researchers visit the dens when the mother leaves to hunt for food, feed or rest, according to NPS.
Through telemetry, a biologist tracks her movement while others check up on the health of the kittens and tag them. The tags later help scientists identify the cats on webcam footage and when they’re captured to be fitted with radio collars.
Scientists found the first litter on May 14 after 4-year-old P-54 gave birth to three kittens, two males and one female.
The second den, with three female kittens by 10-year-old P-19, was discovered on June 19. Researchers believe it’s her fifth litter, after giving birth to four kittens back in 2018.
(Excerpt) Read more at ktla.com ...
I thought it said mountain lion Dems for a second.
I was going to say in that case wipe them out!
How much of this is due to the relative absence of humans ... and fewer cars killing prey?
rough terrain.
“The summer of missing dogs, cats, kids.”
Plenty of kittens, plenty of fawns. Something’s gotta give.
I would have thought the Mother Cat would smell human beings on her cubs and then decide to neglect them. I’m glad that has not been the case.
Lots of tasty antifa soy boys to feed on
Ooh, a mountain lion kitten! Let’s hang electronic gadgets on it!
1972 is when we voted out hunting mountain lions with dogs in california i believe . 1971 Was the last year treed a mountain lion. those were the days. Lots of tree game, tons of great public hunting land in california. Long seasons too. Do not miss it at all, got a great spot some where else to tree and catch game
The shutdown has been great for wildlife. There is an eagle nest on a tributary of the Missouri River a mile from my house. Never had that before.
333 great for wildlife. 333
This is what Progs want — Agenda 21. More wildlife - less people.
Wonder what human birth rate will be come January.
These wildlife biologists are a lonely lot.
Always filming animals having sex.....
Need to hit the hay when my eyes are this bleery upon a midnight dreary....
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