CDFW News

CDFW and Partners Find Orphaned Mountain Lion Kitten Following Coordinated Monitoring Effort

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:14:43 GMT

LOS ANGELES — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Los Angeles Zoo, has intervened on an orphaned mountain lion kitten in Southern California following a coordinated, science-based monitoring effort.

The approximately 22-day-old kitten, identified as P-131, was detected through ongoing tracking of his collared mother (P-129) as part of long-term research led by the National Park Service. Biologists observed a change in the mother’s movement patterns that indicated the den may have been abandoned.

Using GPS collar data, telemetry and remote cameras, wildlife professionals monitored the den site over several days to allow for the possibility of the mother’s return. On day five, CDFW’s Wildlife Health Lab authorized intervention once it became clear the kitten was alone and his condition was declining.

“Decisions like this are based on real-time monitoring, the animal’s condition and whether intervention is likely to make a meaningful difference. In this case, the data showed the kitten would not survive on its own, and intervention was appropriate. Each situation is evaluated individually using science, state law and professional judgment,” said Kyle Evans, CDFW’s Environmental Program Manager in Southern California.

These decisions are made case-by-case and prioritize both animal welfare and the long-term conservation of the species. In this instance, monitoring data allowed biologists to detect a problem early, confirm abandonment and respond at the appropriate time.

P-131 was found malnourished and with a permanent injury to his hind foot due to possible ambilocal strangulation but seems to be in good condition otherwise. He was collected and transported to the Los Angeles Zoo where he is receiving veterinary care and will be transferred to the Oakland Zoo for long-term care once he is stable. Due to his young age and a permanent injury, the kitten is not a candidate for release back into the wild.

Over time, P-131 may serve in an educational capacity to help the public better understand mountain lions, the challenges wildlife face in a human-dominated landscape and human stewardship responsibilities.

Mountain lions are a specially protected species in California and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. Management actions are limited and highly specific. CDFW evaluates each situation individually, including cases involving orphaned or injured animals, and only intervenes when conditions indicate the animal cannot survive in the wild or when public safety is at risk.

A Broader Conservation Context

Wildlife outcomes like this one exist along a broader spectrum of management, ranging from no intervention, to conflict prevention to response actions when necessary.

CDFW works with communities across California to reduce human-wildlife conflict through practical measures such as securing attractants, promoting human prevention actions and supporting coexistence strategies.

Not every situation results in intervention, and not every intervention results in placement. This outcome reflects a specific set of circumstances where monitoring, timing and condition aligned to allow for action.

CDFW remains committed to science-based wildlife management that balances public safety, animal welfare and long-term conservation.

For more information on Mountain Lions visit: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion

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Media Contacts:
Cort Klopping, CDFW Communications

Jen Benedet, CDFW Communications

California Fish and Game Commission Finds CESA Protections Warranted for Southern California and Central Coast Mountain Lion

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:43:22 GMT

In Other Regulatory Action, Commission Streamlines Charitable Donation of Sport-Caught Fish

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) at its Feb. 11-12 meeting voted to list mountain lion populations in parts of southern California and the central coast as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

In a unanimous vote, the Commission determined that listing a distinct population segment of mountain lions in southern California and the central coast is warranted due to threats such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and isolation of small populations as a result of expanding human infrastructure, among others. The Commission considered presentations from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on its species status review and from the listing petitioner the Center for Biological Diversity, as well as public comment. The Commission will adopt its findings at a future meeting.

“This segment of the mountain lion population is clearly at risk from distinct threats,” said President Eric Sklar. “Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation by roads, freeways and housing, and mortality from vehicle strikes, rodenticides and risks of isolation and inbreeding would lead to the extinction of these mountain lions if we remained on the same trajectory.”

Following the 1974 ban on hunting mountain lions in California, in 1990 voters approved Proposition 117, which designated mountain lion a specially protected mammal in the state and established some exemptions for lethal removal of mountain lions to preserve public safety and to protect private property and livestock. The Commission noted that those statutory provisions remain intact and that this listing is focused specifically on preventing the potential loss of the identified population segment through science-based management and conservation action.

Donation of Sport-Caught Fish

The Commission adopted regulatory amendments related to processing and donating sport-caught fish. Sport fishing license holders who exchange fish for processing will be able to donate their fish to charities directly through fish processors rather than having to deliver the fish themselves as presently allowed. The adopted amendments streamline the donation of sport-caught fish to nonprofit organizations, California Native American tribes, public schools within a California unified school district and California city or county government programs. The changes will provide sport fishing license holders the opportunity to support nonprofit, community, school and tribal initiatives addressing food insecurity, access and distribution.

Commission Elections, Committee Assignments and Meeting Participation

In its first meeting of 2026, Commissioner Eric Sklar was elected Commission president and Commissioner Darius Anderson vice president. The Commission moved to retain Marine Resources, Wildlife Resources and Tribal Committee co-chair assignments — Sklar and Commissioner Samantha Murray will continue to serve on the Marine Resources Committee, Anderson and Commissioner Erica Zavaleta on the Wildlife Resources Committee and Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin on the Tribal Committee.

Sklar, Zavaleta and Murray were in attendance for both days of the February Commission meeting held in Sacramento; Hostler-Carmesin and Anderson were absent both meeting dates.

The complete agenda for the meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for April 15-16, 2026, at the California Natural Resources Agency building in Sacramento. Participants are encouraged to attend in person, with options available for Zoom or phone; for more information visit the Commission website.

The Commission authorized public notice of upcoming potential regulation changes related to:

Central Valley and Klamath River Basin sport fishing regulations: A discussion hearing is scheduled for April 15-16 and an adoption hearing for May 6 on proposed amendments related to Central Valley and Klamath River Basin sport fishing regulations.

Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Jen Benedet, CDFW Communications, (916) 202-4465

California Fish and Game Commission Extends Red Abalone Recreational Fishery Closure, Finds CESA Listing of Bear Lake Buckwheat Warranted

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:27:02 GMT

In a move to protect red abalone populations that have suffered drastic population decline, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) at its Dec. 10-11 meeting extended the red abalone recreational fishery closure 10 years. The Commission also approved listing Bear Lake buckwheat as an endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and received the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) status review report for mountain lion in the central coast and southern parts of California.

The Commission unanimously voted to adopt regulatory amendments to extend the red abalone recreational fishery closure in Northern California until April 1, 2036. The Commission determined that continuing the closure is necessary to protect red abalone and help facilitate its restoration.

California's red abalone population suffered a drastic decline, approximately 85%, following the 2014 kelp forest collapse triggered by a marine heatwave. The loss of kelp greatly contributed to this decline and the increase in purple sea urchin densities prevent kelp recovery, abalone’s primary food source. CDFW will be supporting abalone restoration through the development of a statewide red abalone restoration plan that will include robust and adaptive strategies to support abalone populations.

The Commission determined that listing Bear Lake buckwheat as an endangered species under CESA is warranted and will adopt its findings at a future meeting. CDFW’s Native Plant Program reported that a September 2025 survey counted as few as 744 Bear Lake buckwheat plants over 1.5 acres of land not far from the shores of human-made Big Bear Lake in Southern California. That 1.5 acres is the only location in the world where this rare, small shrub is known to grow. Bear Lake buckwheat faces threats including habitat destruction and human disturbances.

The Commission received CDFW’s status review report for mountain lion in the central coast and southern parts of California. The status review report follows the Commission’s April 16, 2020, decision that a petition may be warranted to list mountain lion species in those portions of California as threatened or endangered under CESA. CDFW found that these mountain lion populations are discrete, significant and imperiled, and recommended the Commission identify a distinct population segment of mountain lions to be listed as threatened. The report contains the most current information available on mountain lion in in the central coast and southern parts of California and serves as the basis for CDFW’s recommendation to the Commission. The Commission is expected to consider the recommendation and petitioned action at an upcoming meeting. For additional information on the listing process and CDFW’s prepared status review, please see Petitions to List Species Under the California Endangered Species Act.

Meeting Participation and Next Meeting

Commission President Erika Zavaleta, Vice President Samantha Murray and Commissioner Eric Sklar were in attendance for both days of the December Commission meeting held in Sacramento; Commissioner Hostler-Carmesin was absent for a portion of the Dec. 10 meeting and Commissioner Darius Anderson was absent both meeting dates.

The complete agenda for the meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Feb. 11-12, 2026, in Sacramento. Participants are encouraged to attend in person, with options available for Zoom or phone; for more information visit the Commission website.

The Commission authorized public notice of upcoming potential regulation changes related to:

Waterfowl hunting: A discussion hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11-12 and an adoption hearing April 15-16 on proposed amendments to waterfowl hunting regulations to comply with proposed frameworks for 2026-27 hunting seasons approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Bighorn sheep hunting: A discussion hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11-12 and an adoption hearing April 15-16 on proposed regulation changes for the 2026-27 bighorn sheep hunting season.

Pronghorn antelope hunting: A discussion hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11-12 and an adoption hearing April 15-16 on recommended regulation changes for the 2026-27 pronghorn antelope hunting season.

Elk hunting: A discussion hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11-12 and an adoption hearing April 15-16 on recommended regulation changes for 2026-27 elk hunting seasons.

Black bear hunting: A discussion hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11-12 and an adoption hearing April 15-16 on proposed amendments to black bear hunting regulations.

Commercial coonstripe shrimp fishery: A discussion and adoption hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11-12 on proposed amendments to regulations governing the commercial coonstripe shrimp trap fishery.

Processing and donating sport-caught fish: A discussion and adoption hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11-12 on proposed amendments to regulations regarding processing and donating sport-caught fish.

Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Katie Talbot, CDFW Communications, (916) 204-1381

Final necropsy results released for mountain lion P-22

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:38:21 GMT

Joint News Release

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) reviewed the final postmortem examination and lab tests from P-22, the beloved mountain lion from Griffith Park. The results confirmed P-22 had been suffering from multiple severe injuries and chronic conditions that impaired his ability to function in the wild and would have lowered his quality of life if placed in human care.

P-22 was captured and anesthetized by CDFW and NPS on December 12, 2022, after scientists noted a recent change in his behavior.

He was transported to the Los Angeles Zoo for initial examination and treatment, then transferred to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for follow-up evaluation, including a computed tomography (CT) scan, where it was discovered that he had serious injuries and health problems. He was euthanized under general anesthesia on December 17, 2022.

The postmortem examination was completed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo.

"We are grateful to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Los Angeles Zoo teams," said Deana Clifford, a senior wildlife veterinarian for CDFW. "They provided excellent care for P-22 and conducted a detailed postmortem examination that shed plenty of light on this cat's condition."

Some findings demonstrated that P-22 had recent trauma to his head and right eye, including an orbital fracture with bleeding and early stages of scar tissue development. This is consistent with reports of a vehicle strike the night before he was captured.

P-22 also had injuries consistent with older, significant trauma, including a diaphragmatic rupture, through which the liver and sections of connective tissue from the abdomen had herniated and were inside his chest cavity.

Pathologists determined that this injury was older than the injury to his face and eye due to differences in the stages of scarification associated with each injury.

The examination also confirmed that he was underweight, arthritic and had progressive and incurable kidney disease, as determined before his death. He also had a severe parasitic skin infection over his entire body, caused by demodectic mange and a fungus, specifically ringworm. This is the first documentation of a demodectic mange infection and a concurrent systemic ringworm infection in a California mountain lion.

Toxicology testing on his liver at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (CAHFS) UC Davis revealed exposure to five anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) compounds. However, he had no evidence of AR poisoning (i.e., unexplained bleeding, injury, illness or death due to exposure to the toxicants).

These include first-generation ARs, diphacinone and chlorophacinone, and longer-lasting and faster-acting second-generation ARs, brodifacoum, bromadiolone and difethialone. Diphacinone was also detected in a sample of P-22's blood collected after he was captured, which may indicate recent exposure. Diphacinone was also detected in P-22's blood in 2014 when he was captured by NPS biologists and treated for a different skin infection caused by notoedric mange.

A separate CDFW study tested 247 mountain lions at the CAHFS lab. It showed that 96 percent of tested animals had exposure to one or more ARs. While felids tend to be more resistant to AR poisoning, there have been at least seven AR-related mortalities in Southern California mountain lions over the last 19 years.

Additionally, desmethylbromethalin, the toxic metabolite of bromethalin, was detected in his body fat. Bromethalin is a widely available rodenticide that targets the brain and affects the central nervous system. Signs of bromethalin poisoning include muscle tremors, seizures, hind limb paralysis, respiratory paralysis and eventually death. There was no indication that bromethalin exposure resulted in poisoning on P-22 medical or pathologic exam. How P-22 was exposed to bromethalin, directly or secondarily through prey, is unknown. However, it is believed to be the latter.

P-22 was likely born in the Santa Monica Mountains as the son of adult male P-1. NPS biologists first captured and radio-collared P-22 in March 2012 when he was estimated to be two years old. He was one of the most senior mountain lions in a study the NPS has conducted since 2002.

He persisted for more than 10 years in Griffith Park and in the smallest home range that has ever been recorded for an adult male mountain lion. But life on this tiny “island” did not come without consequence. After crossing two of the busiest freeways in the world, 101 and 405, he would unknowingly become isolated and never produce offspring. His movements and access to natural habitat and prey would be restricted, putting him at increased risk for interactions with people, collisions with cars and exposure to rodenticides. As extraordinary as P-22’s life was - surviving against all odds - it is an increasingly common reality for wildlife.

"P-22 was a fascinating animal to study," said Jeff Sikich, the lead field biologist of the NPS mountain lion study. "Not only was he an important ambassador for urban wildlife, but his scientific contributions were also many. He helped us understand how mountain lions coexist with humans in this complex urban landscape, and his legacy will live on through our heightened awareness of how to live in harmony with wild neighbors and growing public support for wildlife crossings."

For more information about P-22’s life and legacy, visit the NPS puma profile.

Learn more about CDFW’s efforts to improve wildlife connectivity and to educate Californians about living with wildlife.

For more information, please review the final necropsy summary (PDF).

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Media contacts:
Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352
Ana Beatriz Cholo, National Park Service, (805) 750-9356

NPS has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains for the last two decades to determine how they survive in a fragmented and urbanized environment. CDFW is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of mountain lions in the state.

The mission of CDFW is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife and plant resources, and the habitats on which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

Mountain Lion P-22 Compassionately Euthanized Following Complete Health Evaluation Results

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 10:20:07 GMT

Video of Dec. 17 (10 a.m.) media update

After receiving a comprehensive medical evaluation, CDFW has received a clear picture of the mountain lion P-22’s medical condition and overall health. He had several severe injuries and chronic health problems. Based on these factors, compassionate euthanasia under general anesthesia was unanimously recommended by the medical team at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and CDFW officials made the decision to do so on Saturday, Dec. 17.

P-22 received a thorough diagnostic evaluation by the Safari Park’s wildlife health team, under general anesthesia. The extensive evaluation included a physical exam, organ function tests, infectious disease screening, ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scans of the skull, chest and abdomen.

The results of these tests and screenings showed significant trauma to the mountain lion’s head, right eye and internal organs, confirming the suspicion of recent injury, such as a vehicle strike. The trauma to his internal organs would require invasive surgical repair.

The examination also revealed significant pre-existing illnesses, including irreversible kidney disease, chronic weight loss, extensive parasitic skin infection over his entire body and localized arthritis, all of which have led to the unfortunate deterioration in P-22’s overall condition.

P-22’s advanced age, combined with chronic, debilitating, life-shortening conditions and the clear need for extensive long-term veterinary intervention left P-22 with no hope for a positive outcome. His poor condition indicated that he may also have had additional underlying conditions not yet fully characterized by diagnostics.

The Safari Park wildlife care team consists of six veterinarians with additional board certification in zoologic medicine. Additionally, four veterinary specialists (board certifications in ophthalmology, radiology and surgery) were consulted.

CDFW is not seeking information on a vehicle collision. This situation is not the fault of P-22, nor of a driver who may have hit him. Rather, it is an eventuality that arises from habitat loss and fragmentation, and it underscores the need for thoughtful construction of wildlife crossings and well-planned spaces that provide wild animals room to roam.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, CDFW announced their intent to capture the world-famous mountain lion and bring him in for a health evaluation. On Monday Dec. 12, P-22 was captured by CDFW and National Park Service and brought in for evaluation. On Dec. 13, CDFW issued a FAQ document about P-22 and held a media briefing to provide an update on his condition.

CDFW wishes to thank our many partners. This has been a difficult journey for all of us. None more so than the dedicated staff who have been caring for him over this week, the biologists who have studied his incredible life, and the many compassionate individuals who have been his neighbors and followed his travails.

Mountain lion P-22 has had an extraordinary life and captured the hearts of the people of Los Angeles and beyond. The most difficult, but compassionate choice was to respectfully minimize his suffering and stress by humanely ending his journey.

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Media contact:
Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352