A mountain lion was tranquilized after spending the day in residential yards along Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wildlife officials responded to the situation late Friday afternoon, ensuring the animal’s safe removal and evaluation.
What happened
A mountain lion that wandered into backyards along Montana Avenue was tranquilized by a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on Friday afternoon. The animal prompted a swift response from local police and state wildlife officials, who arrived shortly before noon to assess the situation.
The tranquilization was conducted in coordination with California Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement and wildlife experts from the National Park Service. Authorities reported that the lion appeared to be in good health, urging nearby residents to remain indoors and not approach the animal. “Anyone who spots the animal was asked to call 911 immediately from a safe location,” public safety officials stated.
Why it matters
The presence of a mountain lion in a residential area is a rare occurrence, with fewer than fifteen adult and subadult lions estimated to inhabit the Santa Monica Mountains. The local population faces challenges, including severe inbreeding pressures and habitat loss. “The leading causes of death are vehicle strikes, rodenticide poisoning, and intraspecific conflict,” stated researchers tracking local wildlife.
Background
On Feb. 12, 2026, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to classify Southern and Central Coast mountain lions as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. The last sighting of a mountain lion within city limits occurred in 2012, when an animal was killed after it attempted to escape before being tranquilized.
Regional wildfires, such as the 2018 Woolsey Fire, exacerbated risks for the local lion population, destroying vast areas of their habitat. Recent studies show that lions have adapted by altering their movement patterns in response to these threats.
What’s next
Wildlife experts will evaluate the tranquilized mountain lion before deciding its relocation plans. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife continues to monitor the local population for signs of health and movement trends.
