Cougar That Managed To Cross Busy SoCal Freeway Several Times Found Dead
THOUSAND OAKS (AP) -- A Southern California mountain lion known for successfully crossing the daunting U.S. 101 freeway twice has been found dead.
National Park Service officials announced Wednesday the death of P-55, an approximately 3-year-old male that was part of a study of cougars in and around the Santa Monica Mountains.
We're sorry to share that we recently found the remains of mountain lion P-55 (shown last year cheek-rubbing). At an age of only about three years, he had already managed to cross the 101 Fwy twice (he actually headed north & then came back to south of the freeway again!). pic.twitter.com/DzBlhK6k06
— Santa Monica Mtns (@SantaMonicaMtns) July 25, 2018
The cause of death is unknown because his tracking collar failed to emit a "mortality signal" and his remains were too decomposed when found.
Officials say the seemingly healthy cougar possibly died from ingesting rat poison or a fight with another male.
P-55 first made news when he crossed the wide and busy 101 last year west of Los Angeles. He later crossed back.
The highway is a formidable barrier for dispersal of the cats from the Santa Monicas. Few have succeeded.