Cougar killed on 101 would have brought new DNA

P-12 in 2008.

Analysis of the mountain lion killed while crossing the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills in early October shows that it came from outside the current Santa Monica Mountains cougar population. Evidence says the untagged, unknown lion came from the Simi Hills to the north, successfully crossed eight lanes of freeway traffic, then was stymied by a ten-foot retaining wall on the south side of the freeway. "He...couldn't get anywhere," said Seth Riley with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area said. "It's a bummer." Only one mountain lion, the somewhat famous P-12, is known to have successfully gotten across the 101. Officials used Tuesday's news to push for a $10-million tunnel for wildlife to cross under the freeway near the Liberty Canyon exit.

“This section of the 101 Freeway is the ideal path into the Santa Monica Mountains because of the natural habitat on both sides of the freeway and the connections to large areas of open space,” said Riley.

P-12 has been siring new cubs since arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains, but they have started to breed with themselves. Not good for the long-term success of the colony.

Coverage: LA Times, Patch , Ventura County Star