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Hi John,
Early Saturday morning, a mountain lion was found dead in the far-right lane of the 101 Freeway in Southern California.
Although details remain sketchy, it's likely this puma died after being hit by a car — the latest in a horrific string of deadly collisions with vehicles.
No one is fighting harder to save California's mountain lions than the Center for Biological Diversity. Please help today with a gift to the Saving Life on Earth Fund.
These big cats in the Agoura Hills area are being pushed to the brink.
Vehicle strikes are the leading cause of death among mountain lions studied by the National Park Service in Southern California. More than 30 have been killed in the past two decades.
When not risking their lives crossing highways to find food and mates, these mountain lions are constantly exposed to rat poison. In one study, 39 out of 40 lions tested positive for rodenticides. Several have been killed by them. More than half of the state's wildlife tested has been exposed to these poisons.
Too often, California mountain lions and other wild animals pay a steep price for humans' ignorance and neglect. We're working tirelessly to make things better.
We recently sponsored legislation that, if passed, would force governments to consider measures protecting wildlife connectivity as part of their long-term land-use plans. Wildlife-friendly fencing, better lighting and protected corridors will help ensure animals have a safer passage as they move across urbanized landscapes.
We're also pushing a bill to further restrict rodenticides, including removing them for over-the-counter purchase and limiting their use in wildlife areas.
A new wildlife crossing has broken ground in Southern California. The need is clear: The big cat found dead last weekend wasn't far from the new crossing.
It's sadly too late for many of Southern California's mountain lions. But we'll never stop fighting for those who are still with us. They deserve a future that's safe from harm, and we'll do everything we can to make that happen.
Extinction is a choice. You can count on us leading the way to save mountain lions and all species on the brink.
Please make a gift now to the Saving Life on Earth Fund.
For the wild,
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