Young Mountain Lion Returns to Wild After Rehabilitation in San Diego County
A young female mountain lion, severely injured and emaciated when rescued in May, has been successfully returned to the wild after nearly six months of rehabilitation at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. The mountain lion was released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on November 20, 2024, in San Bernardino County, equipped with a satellite GPS collar to monitor her health and movements.
The mountain lion was found in Yucca Valley by a member of the public on May 30, suffering from open wounds likely caused by an animal attack, as well as severe anemia and malnourishment. Experts believe her weakened condition left her vulnerable to predators. After being brought to the wildlife center, she underwent intensive care, including pain management, antibiotics, and wound treatment.
By late June, her condition had improved significantly, allowing her to transition to an outdoor enclosure designed to mimic her natural habitat. To ensure her successful reintroduction to the wild, caregivers minimized human interaction while monitoring her recovery remotely with trail cameras.
“We did not know if this mountain lion was going to make it at first because she was
so debilitated,” said Autumn Nelson, Wildlife Operations Manager at San Diego Humane Society’s
Ramona Wildlife Center, in a statement. “Remarkably, against all odds, she gained the necessary weight and became strong enough to return home, which is the goal for every patient who enters our care.”
The Ramona Wildlife Center specializes in rehabilitating native predators like mountain lions, bobcats, and raptors. Operated by the San Diego Humane Society since 2020, the center is part of the organization’s Project Wildlife program, which rehabilitates more than 10,000 wild animals annually.
