Wildlife Corridor Q&A: Bob Coutts

In February of 2009, a male mountain lion identified as P-12 successfully crossed Highway 101 at Liberty Canyon Road. The event precipitated a pivotal mountain lion study in Agoura Hills.

With the species facing significant challenges in the Santa Monica Mountains, primarily due to limited habitat and threats from urbanization, the solution to their preservation is the construction of wildlife corridors within the mountains, offering the lions opportunities for long distance movement and the ability to discover new mates. 

While environmentalists are enthusiastic about this finding, some residents are unhappy about carnivorous cats leaping into their backyards. Veteran Santa Monica Mountain hiker and Save Open Space activist Bob Coutts provides his insight on the mountain lion debate.