Mountain Lion Found Dead On Road, Prompting Calls For Caution

SAN JOSE, CA — A young mountain lion recently found dead next to a road in a conservation area is renewing calls for better wildlife crossings in Santa Clara County. The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority shared the sad news Wednesday in a social media post after the animal was apparently struck by a vehicle on Santa Teresa Boulevard.

"Mountain lions are beautiful, solitary animals that play an essential role in California's native ecosystems," the group wrote. "These big cats need large amounts of *connected* open spaces for hunting, water sources, den sites, finding mates, and raising cubs. Without protected landscapes AND safe pathways to travel between them, wildlife populations cannot survive in the long term."

The group told Bay City News the incident underlined the urgent need for more investment in wildlife crossings, like one completed on Highway 17, and a reconsideration of building roadways through habitats.

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is in the process of completing its master plan to support and protect the wildlife of Coyote Valley. In the meantime, the group urges drivers to slow down and exercise caution in areas where wild animals are known to be.