LA’s Mountain Lions - Protected!
On January 26, 2020, the mountain lion known as P-56 was killed legally by a rancher who obtained a depredation permit from California Fish and Wildlife.
Photo from National Park Service, when they first collared P-56 in 2017.
Success!
In February 2026, the California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to list six California mountain lion populations as “threatened” under the California Endangered Species Act. These protected populations include the mountain lions within LA’s own Santa Monica Mountains and San Gabriel Mountains. The decision is a major step forward in protecting mountain lions from growing threats like habitat loss, rodenticides, vehicle strikes, and genetic threats as a result of inbreeding. All state agencies must now ensure the protection of these populations, and future development projects within the protected areas will be required to account for any impacts to mountain lions. A Recovery Plan may also be developed in order to support their long-term survival. Check out this LA Times article for more info.
CLAW has actively supported this designation since it was first introduced in February of 2020. You can read our past comment letters here:
January 26, 2026 - CLAW’s letter of support to the California Fish and Game Commission to approve a “Threatened” designation.
May 1, 2020 - CLAW’s letter to LA City Department of Planning to see what impacts mountain lion protection has on our city’s planning process.
February 26, 2020 - CLAW’s letter to California Department of Fish and Wildlife urging to end the issuance of lethal depredation permits within Southern and Central California.
February 14, 2020 - CLAW’s letter of support for listing Southern and Central Coast California Mountain Lions as “Threatened” under the California Endangered Species Act.
Other Ways CLAW is Protecting Our Local Mountain Lions
Protecting connective habitat in Los Angeles is key to the survival of Southern California mountain lions. Check out our wildlife corridor page to see how we are ensuring cougars will be able to roam the hills of LA forever.
Out of 24 mountain lions tested in the Santa Monica Mountains, 23 tested positive for exposure to rodenticide. See how CLAW is working to prevent mountain lion deaths from secondary poisoning.
CLAW’s nature cam has caught an uncollared male multiple times in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. These pictures allow us to inform local policy makers about the magnificent wildlife in our area, and help to educate the public about their wild neighbors.
On March 10th, 2020, CLAW Chair Tony Tucci joined LA City Councilmember Paul Koretz on Spectrum News In Focus to discuss the demise of mountain lion P-56, the movement to ban permits issued by CA Fish and Wildlife to kill depredating mountain lions, and the need to prioritize protections of their dwindling populations. You can watch the segment here.
On May 1st, 2020, CLAW submitted a letter to LA City Department of Planning regarding the implications of CESA protection for mountain lions as it relates to development in our city. You can read the letter here.
