Wildlife Expert to Discuss State of Carnivores in Santa Monica Mountains

An urban wildlife expert will discuss his study of mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes in the Santa Monica Mountains in September. 

The rare sighting of a mountain lion this week on Mulholland Highway has ignited a conversation around how carnivores interact with communities in the Santa Monica Mountains. The mountain lion, known as Puma-23, dragged a deer off the road into the dense brush in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The talk with Dr. Seth Riley is set for Saturday, Sept. 7 at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, according to the National Park Service. 

"Studying how carnivores are impacted by urbanization and habitat fragmentation has been a lifelong interest of mine," said Riley, a wildlife ecologist for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. "I'm excited to share what we've learned here in the Santa Monica Mountains with the public."

Riley has researched local mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes for more than a decade. He will be available to sign copies of his book Urban Carnivores: Ecology, Conflict & Conservation.

Mountain lions especially face survival issues in the Santa Monica Mountains because of its neighboring freeways, the Pacific Ocean and an agricultural plain. 

The event is co-sponsored by Western National Parks Association.

Reservations are appreciated but not necessary: 805-370-2302 or samo@wnpa.org. 

DIRECTIONS: King Gillette Ranch is located at 26800 Mulholland Highway in the Calabasas area. The lecture will be held in the auditorium. Parking is free.