Study sparks concern over dramatically altered behavior of dangerous wild animal: 'Activity ... may be constrained'
According to Newsweek, "a new study published in the journal Biological Conservation" showed that "mountain lions in the Greater Los Angeles area" with a higher number of "human hikers, cyclists, and joggers have become more nocturnal than those living in less busy areas."
Mountain lions, also known as pumas, cougars, or panthers, are typically active at dawn or dusk. However, as more humans enjoy the outdoors, they have become nocturnal compared to mountain lions that live in less populated areas.
Researchers tracked 22 mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains between 2011 and 2018 and compared the data to human activity in the area.
Many of these mountain lions were active at night when they lived in areas with high human activity. The researchers found that the males named P41 and "Hollywood Cat" P22 were the most nocturnal. They lived in areas with high human activity and development around them, and their habitats were also small.
Interestingly, female mountain lions didn't react to human activity the same. They were less likely to change their habits than the males. P13 was found to be the "least nocturnal lion," according to Newsweek.
The study researchers said: "Females in this system show evidence of avoiding habitats used by males."
They added: "Activity of female mountain lions may be constrained by avoiding males such that they do not exhibit as strong of a response to humans."
If males and females do not cohabitate, it will make it hard for them to reproduce.
Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?
Definitely
Only in some areas
No way
I'm not sure
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
According to Conservation Mag, mountain lions play a key role in the ecosystem. They regulate other populations, such as mule deer, which are grazers. If these deer populations were unchecked, they would overgraze, which would have more environmental consequences.
Newsweek reported that the researchers suggested avoiding mountain lion territories during dawn and dusk. Additionally, be careful driving at night since that's when they are coming out more.
Natural Habitat Adventures stated: "Several organizations are involved in programs to increase mountain lion populations in their areas through education, research, awareness, and other conservation efforts."
You can also donate to climate causes that work to protect mountain lions.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
Map Shows US Tracking Chinese Ships Near Alaska
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A United States reconnaissance aircraft was tracked flying over Arctic waters near Alaska over the weekend, as five Chinese research vessels arrived in the region. When asked for comment, U.S. Northern Command said in a written response to Newsweek on Tuesday: "We do not release specific information regarding ISR platforms or missions." ISR refers to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Newsweek has also reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters The unprecedented presence of Chinese research ships in the Arctic is regarded as part of China's efforts to assert its claim as a "near-Arctic state" and as an important stakeholder in the region's affairs. China's presence in the Arctic and its cooperation with Russia have alarmed the U.S. and its Arctic allies—Canada and Norway. Last year, the Pentagon released its updated strategy for the Arctic, calling for an increased military presence and enhanced intelligence capabilities. What To Know @MeNMyRC1, an open-source intelligence analyst on the social media platform X, was the first to spot the spy flight conducted by a U.S. Air Force RC-135V Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft, which can detect, identify, and geolocate signals across the electromagnetic spectrum. "I saw this flight by 64-14841 on Saturday, and it caught my eye due to the location and 'urgency' of the flight," @MeNMyRC1 wrote, referring to the aircraft's registration number. Using flight tracking data from online service Flightradar24, a Newsweek map shows the Rivet Joint aircraft arrived at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, from its home station at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, Nebraska on August 9. The spy plane took off again on the same day—approximately five hours after its arrival—and flew northwest. It was tracked circling over the Chukchi Sea, which lies between the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Bering Strait to the south. The mission lasted six hours. The aircraft—which provides on-scene intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination—returned to Nebraska the following day, approximately 10 hours after its mission. "Looks like it was to check up on a group of Chinese 'research' ships," @MeNMyRC1 added. According to the analyst, a second Rivet Joint aircraft, with registration number 62-4125, was deployed at Elmendorf Air Force Base but has not been tracked flying since August 1. This spy plane, which is an RC-135W version of the aircraft, is possibly being sidelined by mechanical issues. "This could explain why [64-14841] was dispatched up to make the flight," the analyst noted. An RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft is seen during Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia on July 17, 2025. An RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft is seen during Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia on July 17, 2025. Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Tuller/U.S. Air National Guard Meanwhile, a spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command—which is tasked with homeland defense—confirmed to Newsweek on Monday that the five Chinese vessels are being monitored while operating in the Arctic. "Although the vessels are operating in international waters and are not considered a Homeland Defense threat, their numbers represent an increase from years past." What People Are Saying A U.S. Northern Command spokesperson told Newsweek on Monday: "[North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD] is responsible for identification and warning of maritime tracks of interest and works closely with Canada and interagency partners to do so. NORAD and [U.S. Northern Command] will continue to monitor the ships' progress while operating in the region." The U.S. Air Force says of the Rivet Joint aircraft: "The Rivet Joint's modifications are primarily related to its on-board sensor suite, which allows the mission crew to detect, identify and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The mission crew can then forward gathered information in a variety of formats to a wide range of consumers via Rivet Joint's extensive communications suite." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will deploy additional ships or aircraft to monitor the Chinese research vessels operating near Alaska.
Newsweek
18 hours ago
- Newsweek
Perseids Meteor Shower Live Tracker: Peak Time, Locations to See Shower Tonight
One of the most anticipated celestial events of the year is set to dazzle skywatchers as the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak on the night of August 12 into the early hours of August 13. Known for producing bright fireballs and up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, the Perseids offer a stunning display — even with moonlight interference — and can be viewed live online or outdoors with the naked eye. What to Know: The Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight August 12–13, with best viewing between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time. The Virtual Telescope Project will host a free livestream starting at 5 p.m. EDT on August 12, featuring real-time views and expert commentary. The shower originates from debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle and appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus in the northeastern sky. A waning gibbous moon, 86% illuminated, may obscure fainter meteors, but bright fireballs should still be visible. No equipment is needed — just a dark sky location, patience, and time for your eyes to adjust. The Perseids are active from July 17 to August 23, but the peak nights offer the most dramatic views. Stay with Newsweek for the latest.
Newsweek
21 hours ago
- Newsweek
Joe Rogan Calls Out Government—'Completely Failed Us'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Joe Rogan called out the federal government over its handling of last year's mysterious drone sightings in the United States on a new episode of his podcast. They "completely failed us," he said on The Joe Rogan Experience. Newsweek reached out to Rogan's representative via email for comment on Tuesday. Why It Matters Rogan is one of the most influential podcast hosts in the world, with The Joe Rogan Experience often number one on Spotify's podcasts charts. Late last year, mysterious drones were spotted throughout Northeastern states, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. At the time, residents shared footage of alleged sightings on social media, raising concerns about security threats. Joe Rogan performs standup comedy in Universal City, California, on April 3, 2010. Joe Rogan performs standup comedy in Universal City, California, on April 3, 2010. Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic What To Know On Saturday's episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan interviewed David Kipping, an astronomer and associate professor at Columbia University. At one point, their conversation turned to the topic of UAPs (unidentified anomalous phenomena). "I wonder what they did with those in New Jersey when they were having all of those stupid drone sightings," Rogan said. "What was that all about? That was so strange." "That's one of those things where I feel like the government completely failed us in explaining to people," the former Fear Factor host said. "Like is this some sort of top-secret military thing? Is this another country? Is this some sort of a private business that wants to test how fantastic their drones are. Like why? Why is this happening and why are you freaking everybody out?" "It really sucks that we live in an age of drones and Starlink satellites, because if you see something in the sky now, your immediate reaction is that's probably a human controlled vehicle," Kipping said. "If you could go back to the 1940s, 1930s, if you had UAP reports then, I think they'd be more convincing because that's pre-Sputnik, there shouldn't be anything in orbit of the Earth at that point." In January, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at the first press briefing of President Donald Trump's second administration that, "after research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] for research and various other reasons... Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy." In December, Rogan said on X that he was "genuinely concerned" about the drones. Along with his message, the UFC commentator shared a video from Saxon Unmanned founder, John Ferguson, whose company is a manufacturer of "custom remote aircraft systems," according to its website. "The only reason why you would ever fly an unmanned aircraft at night is if you're looking for something," Ferguson said in the video. "So my belief is they're trying to smell something on the ground—gas leak, radioactive material, whatever." What People Are Saying In December, then-Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said on This Week: "There's no question that people are seeing drones. I want to assure the American public that we in the federal government have deployed additional resources, personnel, technology to assist the New Jersey State Police in addressing the drone sightings. Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones. But there's no question that drones are being sighted." What Happens Next New episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience are released weekly on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
