Mountain Lions Adapt Their Behavior to Coexist with Urban Los Angeles Residents

Mountain lions in the greater Los Angeles area are adapting their behavior to avoid humans, primarily becoming more nocturnal to coexist with urban recreational activities.

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, and the National Park Service sheds light on how mountain lions in the greater Los Angeles area are adjusting their behavior to avoid encounters with outdoor enthusiasts like cyclists, hikers, and joggers.

Published in the journal Biological Conservation on November 15, the findings reveal a significant transformation in the activity patterns of these big cats in regions with heavy human recreational presence.

Adaptation to Nighttime Activity

The study shows that mountain lions living in bustling areas are more active at night, unlike their counterparts in quieter, remote zones who typically favor the early morning and evening hours.

The researchers express hope that these behavioral adaptations indicate potential for humans and wildlife to coexist even in densely populated urban settings.

Ellie Bolas, the lead researcher and a doctoral student at UC Davis, emphasizes that the mountain lions’ ability to adapt allows shared use of natural areas.

This trend of people seeking out nature is encouraging, while also highlighting how mountain lions modify their actions to minimize overlap with human activities.

Research Methodology and Findings

Considering that the Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to over 18 million people, it’s no surprise that mountain lions tend to steer clear of human contact.

To understand their behavioral shifts, the research team tracked 22 mountain lions across the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding areas from 2011 to 2018.

Each lion was fitted with GPS and accelerometer collars, part of a broader research initiative by biologists at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

By combining collar data with a global database of publicly shared GPS tracking of recreational activities, the researchers gained insights into how human recreation influences mountain lion movements.

Seth Riley, a wildlife branch chief at the park, noted the study’s crucial finding: human activities can subtly affect wildlife behavior beyond simply posing immediate threats like vehicle collisions.

Remarkably, these formidable predators are thriving in one of the world’s largest urban areas, a feat made possible by their ability to adapt to the rhythms of human activity.

Among the study’s highlights, Griffith Park registered the highest levels of recreational use, while the Santa Susana Mountains and Los Padres National Forest showed the least activity.

The research revealed distinct diurnal patterns among the monitored mountain lions.

For example, female lions, such as P13, exhibited increased daytime activity, likely as a strategy to evade male lions that could threaten them and their cubs.

Challenges and Coexistence

In contrast, two male mountain lions in the densely trafficked areas, rich in trails and human activity, displayed the most marked nocturnal tendencies.

P41, who resided in the urbanized Verdugo Mountains, emerged as the study’s most nocturnal participant.

The area is characterized by urban encroachment and an extensive freeway system, prompting these lions to shift their activity to later hours.

P22, famously known as the “Hollywood Cat,” also preferred nocturnal habits, earning local fame during his youth for navigating two busy freeways.

This public figure called Griffith Park home until he passed away at the age of around 12 in 2022.

The study’s authors clarify that mountain lions are not merely growing accustomed to human presence; rather, they actively seek to create distance from it as human activities increase.

They highlight the importance of a shared commitment to maintaining this delicate balance.

Being mindful of peak activity times for mountain lions, particularly during dawn and dusk, can foster safer interactions for both wildlife and recreationists.

It’s also advisable to exercise caution while driving at night in areas where mountain lions are known to roam.

Despite the challenges facing mountain lions in Los Angeles—such as dangerous roadways, wildfires, exposure to rodenticides, limited genetic diversity, and fragmented habitats—Bolas points out that even seemingly minor human activities like recreation can heighten the stress on these creatures, affecting their energy levels for essential activities such as hunting.

Nevertheless, the resilience and adaptability of mountain lions offer a hopeful perspective on coexistence in complex urban ecosystems, underscoring their ongoing efforts to adjust their behaviors in response to human presence.

Source: ScienceDaily