A brave mountain lion cub shown in its rehabilitation habitat.
A young mountain lion cub is recovering after a car accident in Orange County. After suffering a skull fracture, he received intensive care and rehabilitation. The cub is now showing signs of improvement, exhibiting natural behaviors as he prepares for a return to the wild. This case highlights the challenges faced by wildlife due to road hazards and habitat fragmentation.
In a heartwarming tale of survival, a young mountain lion cub is on the mend after a tragic run-in with a car in Orange County. Found on the side of a road around January 10, this little guy, just about four months old, suffered a serious skull fracture and faced a battle for survival due to severe head and eye trauma. But don’t worry—this story has a happy twist!
After being rescued, the feisty cub received initial treatment at the Serrano Animal & Bird Hospital in Lake Forest, where dedicated staff sprang into action to provide immediate care. Only five days later, on January 15, he was transferred to the San Diego Humane Society’s Wildlife Center in Ramona, one of only TWO facilities in California equipped to rehabilitate mountain lions. This was a crucial step in his recovery, as he needed specialized rehabilitation to get back on his paws.
The Wildlife Center team worked round-the-clock to give the cub the best chance of recovery. His treatment included nutritional support, effective pain management, and ongoing monitoring to ensure he was healing properly. Although he was seen limping on his left hind leg, the good news was that surgery turned out to be unnecessary. By the end of January, the little warrior was showing signs of improvement.
Once his condition stabilized, he was moved to an outdoor enclosure specifically designed to help him regain his strength while minimizing human interaction. This quiet little space, tucked away from the hustle and bustle, has been crafted to replicate a more natural habitat for the cub. To limit human noise and visibility, staff built temporary walls and provided plenty of external shade, ensuring the cub can feel safe and at ease.
The caring staff at the Wildlife Center have been employing a unique feeding strategy, providing meals through a center divider that minimizes direct contact. This approach helps ensure that the cub retains its wild instincts. He’s been enjoying a “wild diet” every few days, chowing down on quail, rabbits, rats, and even venison! Talk about a gourmet meal plan for a cub!
Fast forward a little over 80 days into his rehabilitation, and the little mountain lion is showing off some impressive survivor skills. He has started to exhibit natural behaviors such as hunting for food and avoiding the presence of humans. His weight has steadily increased, now hovering between 50 to 60 pounds, compared to just 44 pounds when he arrived. It’s a remarkable turnaround!
Before this brave cub can reclaim his wild life, there are a few key milestones to meet. He needs to pack on a bit more weight and prove he has the skills to hunt and survive independently. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is working closely with the Wildlife Center to determine the perfect timing for his release back into the wild.
Sadly, accidents like this are not uncommon. Recent reports indicate that one to two mountain lions lose their lives on California state highways every week due to collisions. The situation is further complicated by habitat fragmentation, particularly in areas like Orange County’s Ortega Highway and the 241 Toll Road, which are known hotspots for these unfortunate encounters.
The dedicated folks involved in the Project Wildlife program play a vital role in the community. They help over 10,000 injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals every year. With facilities designed to care for apex predators and a wide array of wildlife, they are truly a lifeline for our furry friends.
As we keep our fingers crossed for the little mountain lion’s successful release, his recovery journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges wildlife face and the magical moments of resilience that never fail to inspire.
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