In a study published last week, researchers found that methylmercury levels were three times higher in mountain lions living along the coast than among those in inland areas. AdvertisementUC Santa Cruz researchers — including lead authors Chris Wilmers and Peter Weiss-Penzias — examined fur and whisker samples from 94 coastal mountain lions and 18 noncoastal mountain lions for the study. At least one animal had mercury levels known to be toxic to species such as mink and otters, and two other mountain lions had sublethal levels that reduce fertility and reproductive success. Since the National Park Service began its study of the animals in the Santa Monica Mountains in 2002, five mountain lions have died as a result of rat poisoning. A handful of others have been diagnosed with mange, which researchers think is linked to the rat poisons.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 02, 2019 18:00 UTC