Endangered Otter Pups; Skunks Caught in Rat Traps; Multiple Mountain Lion Sightings; Cheetah Birthday: All in Calif.

By AUTUMN JOHNSON (Patch Staff)

Interesting animals from all over California made headlines the last few weeks.

Watch: Endangered Otter Pups Make Rollicking Debut

• A new litter of endangered giant river otters was born this spring. The two boys and one girl are still waiting for names.

Year-Old Cheetahs Breakfast on Blood, Ice, Meat Cake

• According to the zoo, the babies were hesitant to try their birthday treats, since this was their first time seeing ice cake.

African Serval Kittens and Mother Play, Pounce

• These kittens enjoyed playing with painted gourds covered in different scents, pinecones stuffed with paper, and shed snakeskin.

Woman Airlifted to Hospital After Being Thrown From Horse

• Emergency medical crews found the woman on the ground off a trail. Fire officials said that despite repetitive questioning, she did not remember what happened to her.

Three Skunks Caught In Rat Traps In Santa Cruz, Monterey Areas

• These snap traps are not intended for outdoor use where wildlife or pets encounter them, officials said.

Three Mountain Lion Sightings This Week In Gilroy Area

• Police offer reminders for citizens to stay safe ...

Mountain Lion Sighting Reported in Loma Mar

• The big cat was spotted after midnight in the vicinity of Loma Mar Avenue and Pescadero Creek Road, officials said.

Oakland Zoo Holds Special Food Drive For Animals This Weekend

• The Oakland Zoo is hosting an unusual food drive this weekend, and the recipients of the donations more than likely walk on four legs.

Friendly Pup Reunited with Owner

• This sweet dog was found by a Livermore resident and is now back home with her family.

Owner Sought After Pet Rat Found on Bus

• Anyone in SoCal missing a rat?

Aww, From Petaluma: Meet Ninja, Houdini, Snowball, and Chance

• They had us at “Meow.”

Beach Closed after Shark Bumps Surfer

• No one was allowed in the ocean in Huntington Beach earlier this month after a surfer was startled by a shark.

Other interesting animal stories on Patch:

• Shark Attacks Are Down in CA and Other Facts, Tips You May Have Missed
• Starlord Needs a New Home
• Magic Seeks a New Home

Photo taken on July 17, 2015 by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo