Heartbreaking Update: Young Mountain Lion Found Injured In San Dimas Was Euthanized
Photo Credit: San Dimas Sheriff’s Station / Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
In a heartbreaking outcome, a young mountain lion found in a residential area of northern San Dimas was euthanized on August 7 after a veterinary examination revealed severe injuries.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife identified him as a young male estimated to be between one and three years old. A veterinarian found that he had suffered a fractured right pelvis and bruising to his lungs. Officials suspect he may have been struck by a vehicle, but the exact cause of his injuries remains unknown.
The San Dimas Sheriff’s Station reported that deputies had received a call about a mountain lion roaming through a residential area of northern San Dimas along Foothill Avenue between San Dimas Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road.
The Sheriff’s Station asked people to avoid the area “until the mountain lion has been safely relocated.” Residents were also encouraged to secure their animals and remove or secure outdoor food that could attract wildlife.
In a written statement regarding the case, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said:
“Due to the severity of the injuries, the veterinarian recommended humane euthanasia, which was also supported by CDFW’s Wildlife Health Laboratory veterinarian.”
Reflecting on the delay in learning what had happened, Matthew Roberts, who runs the Cougar King account (@the.cougar.king), told World Animal News:
“We spent a week asking how he was doing. He was already gone when we asked.”
Roberts also reflected on the widely shared footage:
“The video everybody saw was him ripping a tranquilizer dart out with his teeth and chewing it like it was nothing. What none of us could see was that he was already badly hurt.”
According to Roberts, local resident and wildlife camera trapper Robert Martinez (@parliament0f0wls) witnessed the response unfold, including the moment involving the dart. Martinez has operated trail cameras across the Angeles National Forest since 2012 and recorded well-known footage of a family of four cougars.
Roberts also noted that vehicle collisions are among the leading causes of wildlife deaths in Los Angeles County. This loss comes approximately three months after a nearly one-year-old female cougar and a six-month-old male mountain lion were killed by vehicles.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife identifies roads as a major barrier to mountain lion movement. Dense road networks surrounding and running through cities can prevent mountain lions from safely reaching suitable habitat, reduce genetic connectivity, and increase the risks these animals face. CDFW also states that injured or sick mountain lions are assessed individually to determine the most appropriate response.
This young mountain lion’s death is another painful reminder of the urgent need to protect and reconnect wildlife habitat, expand safe crossings, and reduce vehicle collisions. Mountain lions should be able to move freely through their natural range without having to navigate dangerous roads or residential neighborhoods.
May this precious young mountain lion rest in peace. He deserved the chance to return safely to the wild.
