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3w ago

Rehabilitated Mountain Lion Returns to Wild in Santa Ana Mountains

Minimal human contact during rehabilitation preserved the lion’s wild instincts for its June release.

Mountain lion in recovery at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, 2025.
A young apex predator that was hurt in a car crash recovered enough to return to the California wilderness, officials said.

Overview

  • The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released the 10-month-old male into a remote Santa Ana Mountains site on June 17 after five months of care.
  • He arrived at the center on January 15 following emergency surgery and underwent close observation with targeted pain management and nutrition.
  • Once stable, staff moved him to an outdoor enclosure to build strength and reinforce natural wariness of humans.
  • At release he weighed about 60 pounds and displayed hunting and avoidance behaviors essential for independent survival.
  • Two orphaned mountain lion cubs received in late March remain under minimal-contact care with partner agencies and await their own release after meeting health and behavior milestones.