Captured mountain lion will be relocated

[Liberal_in_LA]

LAKE FOREST – A low reverberating growl came from an unlikely patient in a cage at Dr. Scott Weldy's Serrano Animal & Bird hospital on Tuesday.

An 18-month-old, sable-colored mountain lion lay in a silver cage, his eyes glowing amber from the cool and darkened room. Occasionally, he let out a hiss but otherwise appeared calm and unafraid.

The lion had already undergone a physical examination and had blood drawn. On first inspection, he seemed healthy but Weldy found it odd that he was covered with ticks. Most lions, Weldy said, are pretty clean. His blood work appeared within the normal range. He was given Frontline to address his fleas and ticks and left to rest in his cage.

The lion was taken to Weldy's Lake Forest hospital after being trapped near the Serrano Cow Trail in Whiting Ranch just after midnight on Tuesday. The 100-pound animal had been seen cruising around Whiting Ranch trails for more than a week, Capt. Dan Sforza with California Department of Fish & Game said.

Tuesday evening Weldy would dart him and knock him out for his transport to a temporary facility near Palmdale, where Weldy, a longtime exotic animal specialist, is also the treating veterinarian. The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound in Rosamond will be his home until Fish & Game wardens decide what his long term home will be. Possibilities include sanctuaries or a zoo.

Mountain bikers and hikers reported getting glimpses of him on their cell phones and cameras. On Sunday a local hikers captured an early morning encounter between the lion and a coyote. The coyote barked at the lion as it crossed its path. Watch encounter here.

video of mountain lion / coyote interaction. The mountain lion seems unconcerned about the coyote. lol
http://www.ocregister.com/video/c/1125901233/latest/1738380674001/irvine-news-latest

[rufus dog]

1. thanks

That is right by my house. There was concern last night that it might have been a mother with some cubs. It is much smaller than the one they had to kill about 10 years ago along the same trail.

[bitchkitty]

2. Great article, thanks!

I love that video - Kitty is the EPITOME of cool. He couldn't care less about the coyote, who seems indignant.

[slackmaster]

3. Do want.

[RebelOne]

4. I am so glad he was relocated and not killed.

But should a hunter come into contact with him, he may well be.

[loli phabay]

5. depends on the hunter, i wouldnt shoot it unless there was danger to myself or livestock

not even sure how good the meat would taste, probuably prefer to bag a deer or hog.