Protect Mountain Lions: Finish the Liberty Canyon Crossing & Teach Coexistence

The Issue
On a quiet Sunday evening in Malibu, a mountain lion was shot and killed after being suspected of attacking an 11-year-old girl. Thankfully, the child is expected to recover — but the lion’s life was ended, and with it, another piece of California’s fragile wild heritage.

This tragedy is part of a larger crisis. As human development expands deeper into wild spaces, mountain lions are left with fragmented habitats, fewer safe passages, and shrinking genetic diversity. Cut off from food and mates, they are pushed closer to people — and too often, that ends with the death of the animal.

The Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills is a proven, life-saving solution. Once completed, it will reconnect critical mountain lion habitats separated by the 101 Freeway, improving genetic diversity and reducing dangerous encounters. But one project is not enough. We also need community education programs in places like Malibu, Topanga, and Agoura Hills to teach residents how to secure food sources, reduce attractants, and coexist peacefully with wildlife.

We should not have to choose between human safety and the survival of these magnificent cats. Both can be protected — if we finish the work.

We Call on California Leaders to:

• Fast-track completion of the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing and expand habitat connectivity projects statewide.
• Launch a robust coexistence education campaign in high-wildlife areas, giving residents the knowledge and tools to prevent conflict.

Every time a mountain lion is killed because of human expansion, California loses more than just an animal — we lose part of our living natural legacy. Let’s protect people and wildlife alike by building safe crossings and teaching coexistence.

Decision Makers:

• Governor Gavin Newsom
• California State Legislature
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• California Department of Transportation