A Southern California mountain lion studied by the National Park Service died after a possible collision with a vehicle earlier this month on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, authorities said.
The radio-collared puma known as P-81 was found dead along the trail near Point Mugu on January 22, the parks service said on Twitter.
A necropsy will confirm that the 4-year-old boy died as a result of being struck by a car.
MOUNTAIN LION ENTERS CALIFORNIA HOUSE AND DRAGS DOG OUT: VIDEO
A radio-collared cougar known as P-81 was found dead near Point Mugu, California, likely from a car collision.
(National Park Service via AP)
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The park service says at least 34 mountain lions have been killed since 2002 within its study area, which includes the Santa Monica Mountains, Simi Hills and Verdugo Mountains.
Biologists are studying how big cats live in a habitat fragmented by urban sprawl, barriers that limit genetic diversity, and hazards ranging from poisons to roads and highways.
P-81’s death comes more than a month after the famous cougar P-22, who lived for years in a sprawling Los Angeles park, was euthanized after examinations revealed worsening health and injuries likely caused by a car.
