State Releases Rescued Mountain Lion in Forest
California wildlife officials returned a young mountain lion to the wild after months of rehabilitation following her rescue as an injured, orphaned cub.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Wildlife
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released a rescued mountain lion into Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County. The animal had been found injured and alone along a road in Castaic in January.
Why it matters
The release returns a rescued predator to the wild after rehabilitation that taught her survival skills at a Sonoma County wildlife rescue center. It also shows how injured and orphaned wildlife found near populated areas can be rehabilitated and released.
The rescue took place in January and the release in November, with the mountain lion flown from Los Angeles to Sonoma County for rehabilitation. Officials did not provide figures on how many similar animals are rescued or released each year.
The players
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The state agency responsible for managing California's fish and wildlife resources, including rescue and release of injured animals.
Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue
A Sonoma County wildlife rehabilitation center that cared for and trained the mountain lion before her release.
The details
The mountain lion was found injured and alone along a road in Castaic, then flown from Los Angeles to Sonoma County, where she learned survival skills at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. Once old enough to survive, she was released into Los Padres National Forest, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife posted video of her leaping from an enclosure into the forest.
Timeline
January: Injured cub found alone along a road in Castaic.
November: Mountain lion old enough to survive is released into Los Padres National Forest.
Thursday: State officials announce the release.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Pathway
The release follows the standard path of California's wildlife rehabilitation program, in which injured animals are treated at licensed rescue centers and returned to suitable habitat once they can survive on their own. This case fits that established pattern rather than departing from it.
Residents in Ventura County and nearby areas may encounter mountain lions in forested or rural land, and should follow state guidance on avoiding wildlife encounters. Anyone who finds an injured wild animal should contact the state wildlife agency or a licensed rescue center rather than attempting to handle it.
The takeaway
Rehabilitation and release can give orphaned or injured wildlife a second chance at life in the wild. Reporting injured animals promptly to authorities gives them the best chance of recovery.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore more Wildlife stories on how animals are rescued and returned to the wild in California.
