Record number of mountain lion litters found this summer
National Park Service biologists have found 13 mountain lion kittens in five litters in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills since May 2020. That’s a record number found over the 18 years that these animals have been studied. There are five males and eight females.
Wildlife biologists track the mothers’ movements via GPS collar so colleagues can locate the den and examine the kittens while the mother is away. The biologists perform a general health check, determine the sex of each kitten, take various body measurements, including weight, obtain biological samples, and place one uniquely numbered and colored ear tag in each of the kittens. This tag helps to identify them in the future with remote cameras and when recaptured for the placement of a radio-collar. The kittens are all returned to the den before their mother comes back.
For more details, visit the NPS news release “Summer of Kittens.” You can also view cute kitten photos and videos!
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