The recent discovery of three tiny mountain lion kittens brings some pawsitive news to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California. These fierce little meowtain lions are contributing to the genetic diversity of the area's mountain lion population. Aside from being purrfect bundles of joy, they are thought to be the first kittens of P-63, the only adult male radio-collared mountain lion living in the Santa Monica Mountains. Having big cats living within the city limits, Los Angeles holds a fascinating distinction from other large cities. Since 2002, the National Park Service has been studying how mountain lions survive in such a fragmented and urbanized landscape. They've monitored more than 75 mountain lions in the area over the years and there's still so much to learn. Photos by Jeff Sikich, National Park Service.
