Mountain Lion Cub’s Journey to Recovery in Orange County

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The mountain lion cub is on the path to recovery, showcasing natural instincts.

News Summary

A mountain lion cub in Orange County is recovering after suffering serious injuries from a vehicle collision. Found with a severe skull fracture, the cub has been receiving specialized care at the San Diego Humane Society’s Wildlife Center. Remarkably, he has begun to display natural survival behaviors and is progressing well in rehabilitation. This story highlights ongoing concerns about wildlife safety on California roads and the efforts of the Project Wildlife program.

Mountain Lion Cub’s Journey to Recovery in Orange County

Orange County is buzzing with good news as a mountain lion cub, who had a rather unfortunate encounter with a vehicle, is on a road to recovery. This little cub, only about four months old, was found on January 10, suffering from a severe skull fracture and trauma to both his head and eyes. It’s a tale that starts with concern but is now increasingly filled with hope.

Treatment Begins

Upon being found, the cub was quickly taken to the Serrano Animal & Bird Hospital in Lake Forest, where he received initial treatment for his horrific injuries. After just a few days under their care, it became clear that he needed more specialized assistance, so on January 15, he was transferred to the San Diego Humane Society’s Wildlife Center located in the charming town of Ramona.

This Wildlife Center is one of only two facilities in California that specializes in rehabilitating mountain lions, making it the best place for this little guy to heal. The experts at the center wasted no time and immediately began with a comprehensive treatment plan that included managing his pain and providing essential nutritional support.

Recovery Progress

Interestingly enough, the good news kept rolling in—surprisingly, the little cub didn’t need any surgery! By the end of January, his injuries were healing beautifully. As the weeks passed, he transitioned into an outdoor enclosure, which is a crucial step for wild animals on their way to recovery. This setup allows the cub to regain his strength while minimizing interaction with humans, something that is vital for his survival instincts.

The cub’s caregivers are taking every precaution to keep his environment as “wild” as possible. They maintain limited human interaction by using barriers. Additionally, rather than feeding the cub daily, he is provided with meals every few days, which helps him learn to hunt just as he would in the wild. When it’s meal time, caregivers use a center divider to limit his exposure to humans, keeping that wild spirit intact.

A Taste of the Wild

The food served to him is high-quality protein that one would typically find in his natural habitat. His diet features quail, rabbits, rats, and venison—exactly what a growing mountain lion cub should be munching on!

Fast forward nearly 80 days, and this adorable cub has made dramatic strides in his journey back to health. He has begun displaying natural survival behaviors like hunting for food and instinctively avoiding human presence. Remarkably, his weight has jumped from 44 pounds at the start to an estimated 50 to 60 pounds now. What a transformation!

Preparing for Release

As exciting as this progress is, there are still important steps to take before he’s ready for the wild. The cub needs to gain additional weight and meet several benchmarks to ensure he can thrive once he is back in his natural environment. Caregivers are keenly aware that preparation is essential for his long-term survival, and they work closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine the perfect timing for release.

Road Safety and Wildlife

The story of this resilient cub also brings attention to a serious issue affecting many mountain lions. According to a 2023 report from the UC Davis Road Ecology Center, one to two mountain lions are tragically killed each week on California state highways. Dangerous roadways, particularly in Southern California, pose a significant threat. Areas like Ortega Highway and the 241 Toll Road in Orange County have been highlighted as especially risky.

Each year, the Project Wildlife program comes to the rescue of over 10,000 injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals in San Diego County. This vital program is helping to ensure that more animals have the chance to recover and thrive in the wild, just like our little mountain lion cub.