• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Mountain lion fatally struck near Oak View

A young mountain lion known as P-90, shown when he was captured in late 2021 to treat mange, was fatally struck along Highway 33 near Oak View Friday morning. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

A young mountain lion was killed after it was hit by a car on Highway 33 near Oak View early morning Friday, as stated by authorities.

The mountain lion had been struck by two automobiles in the collision just south of Encino Drive, California Highway Patrol Officer Francisco Navarro said.

The cougar, who is thought to weigh around 130 pounds made it’s escape after the crash by running into some brush between the road and a bike path, said Navarro.

When CHP officers arrived at the scene, they found that the animal had sadly died. This young male cougar was part of a long-term National Park Service study and he was given the name P-90. At only 2 years old, this is now the seventh mountain lion to be killed on roads in California this year.

READ MORE: Mountain lion killed by vehicle was pregnant with four kittens, necropsy shows

Researchers have studied mountain lions in Ventura and Los Angeles counties since 2002 to see how they survive in an increasingly urban environment. In the study region, which includes the Santa Monica Mountains, Simi Hills, Santa Susana Mountains, Verdugo Mountains, and Griffith Park, 32 mountain lions have been hit by a car.

At least one of the vehicles was damaged in the crash on Friday, with no reported injuries to any people. Navarro said this information.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife picked up the deceased mountain lion, and said a necropsy will be performed.

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