Key Points
- A mountain lion is crouched in the middle of the road and either cannot or will not move.
- When a wild animal exhibits behavior like this, it is most likely injured.
- Mountain lion deaths on roads are a serious problem for the species.
This is a bizarre turn of events on a busy highway. A mountain lion is crouched in the middle of the road and either cannot or will not move. For a wild animal to be behaving like this, it is likely that it is injured. Perhaps it has been hit by a vehicle? Even so, it can’t stay where it is because it is bringing the traffic to a standstill and risks getting even more injured itself.
Enter a superhero armed with a broom! Scroll down to watch the full video of how this brave lady tries to move the mountain lion herself.
Are Mountain Lions Also Called Cougars?

©Michal Ninger/Shutterstock.com
Yes, this species is Puma concolor – that is its scientific name. However, it has a bewildering range of common names that can cause confusion. You may also see this animal called cougars, panthers and pumas to name just a few! However, they are NOT a bobcat, lynx, ocelot, or a jaguar!
They are basically a large member of the cat family with a coat that ranges from a tawny color to slate grey. However, its belly and inside the ears are white and there are darker areas on the backs of the ears and the sides of the nose.
Their size is very variable and their body can measure anything between 42 and 96 inches. They can weigh between 75 and 227 pounds.
Are Mountain Lions Killed On Roads?

©iStock.com/gatito33
We do not know where this particular clip was filmed but mountain lion deaths on roads are a serious problem for the species. We know that in the US, their total population is unlikely to exceed 30,000. It is also clear that their habitats have become severely fragmented and degraded so they are increasingly found near busy highways and collisions are inevitable.
The situation in California is so serious that a recent report has found that two mountain lions die on state highways every week. The cougars cannot reproduce fast enough to replace the animals killed on the roads and so their numbers are decreasing. There are calls for specific wildlife crossing projects on highways and further research to tackle the problem.
Witness The Full Video Below!
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