UC Davis study sheds light in mountains lion deaths on California highways

DAVIS — A UC Davis research exhibits a shocking variety of mountain lions are being hit and killed by automobiles on California roads.

Superstar Southern California mountain lion P-22 captured the hearts of many as he roamed the Los Angeles-area hills.

“He is actually achieved so much for wildlife throughout the state for being that mascot,” stated Winston Vickers, a wildlife veterinarian with UC Davis.

And so many have been saddened when he needed to be euthanized because of accidents after probably getting hit by a automobile.

“He’s one among many mountain lions and different animals which have suffered from that,” Vickers stated.

Now, a brand new UC Davis research is displaying simply what number of California cougars are hit by automobiles. Analysis exhibits, on common, one or two mountain lions are struck every week on California roadways.

“It has been a outstanding reason for dying,” Vickers stated.

Scientists are fearful concerning the excessive quantity. Nobody is aware of precisely what number of cougars reside within the state, however researchers say the numbers could also be declining.

They’ve launched maps displaying the best variety of vehicle-related mountain lion deaths are within the Sierra Foothills, the San Francisco Bay Space and Southern California – locations the place there are additionally extra individuals transferring in.

“We’re shedding habitat, and so lack of habitat means smaller populations, typically,” Vickers stated.

The research recommends creating extra wildlife crossings like these alongside Interstate 80 close to Blue Canyon that enable animals to stroll below the busy freeway by way of a tunnel.

One other animal crossing is at present being constructed throughout a 10-lane stretch of Freeway 101 in Southern California.

“I believe we want extra of them,” Vickers stated. “It is clear from mountain lions alone.”

UC Davis researchers are additionally experimenting with artificial-intelligence-equipped sensors that may spot wild animals and set off indicators warning drivers to decelerate or cease.

“It has been proven that simply slowing down drivers by 5 or 10 miles an hour can dramatically cut back the speed of collisions,” Vickers stated.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has dedicated $50 million for all these animal security highway initiatives.

A celebration of life for P-22 will likely be held this Saturday on the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.