Mountain Lion Lounges in Backyard Tree as Crowds Gather to Watch in Ventura County

Mountain lion lounges in backyard tree as crowds gather to watch in Ventura County

Scientists discovered an unexpected way mountain lions may be helping drivers stay safe

Mountain lions may be doing more than maintaining healthy ecosystems. A new study suggests the large predators are also helping reduce vehicle crashes by influencing where and when deer move across parts of Washington state. Researchers found that areas with a stronger puma presence experienced significantly fewer deer-vehicle collisions than areas where the animals were less common, phys.org reported.

California study finds mountain lions cut deer-vehicle crashes by 67%

Drivers in the American West may be getting an unexpected assist from mountain lions. Although the animals are often framed as a threat, new research suggests their presence could make roads safer for people. In the study, areas with mountain lions were associated with a 67% reduction in deer-vehicle collisions, a vivid reminder that functioning ecosystems can produce practical benefits in daily life. What happened? The study, published in the j…

Captain Obvious turns researcher: Mountain lions killing deer means less vehicle vs car collisions: Duh

Here’s a shocker: Mountain lions kill deer. And where mountain lions and deer are near roads there are less deer versus vehicle collisions. Therefore, mountain lions improve road safety in California and elsewhere.