Cars Killing Bobcats At Alarming Rate, Biologists Say

CALABASAS, CA — Six bobcats, including a collared male and lactating female, have been hit and killed by cars in the Santa Monica Mountains within the past three months, which National Park Service biologists say is an unprecedented number.

Among the bobcats killed was B-361, a male bobcat captured days before the Woolsey Fire, who was hit by a car on Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas. Others have been hit and killed on Mulholland Highway in Calabasas, and Potrero Road and Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks, according to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA).

Vehicle deaths are the second most common cause of bobcat deaths in the NPS bobcat study area, second only to mange, a skin disease often found in animals that have also ingested rat poison, Ranger Ana Beatriz wrote on the SMMNRA Facebook page.

Biologist Joanne Moriarty, who has been studying bobcats at SMMNRA for more than 15 years, doesn't recall another period when this many bobcats have been killed by cars within such a short period of time.

“As sad as this is, there is a safety message here,” she said. “Please keep your eyes open on all roads, especially ones where there is ‪open space‬ on both sides. Also, slow down and don’t drive distracted. This is their habitat, too!”