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Penned in by Freeways, L.A. Mountain Lions Are Becoming Isolated—and Aggressive
Mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains are killing each other and inbreeding at alarming rates.
An ugly family feud is unfolding within Los Angeles County that has nothing to do with the Kardashians. In fact, it concerns one of the city’s most interesting animal species.
Up in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains just north of the city, the region’s mountain lion population is acting in ways that run counter to their survival. Male mountain lions are killing their spouses. Playful behavior among young cubs has turned violent. And mountain lion families are inbreeding at elevated rates— which can lead to offspring with cardiovascular and mental deficiencies. The social deterioration of L.A.’s mountain lion population, however, is not a natural progression. It appears to be a grim reaction to ever-encroaching human development.