On a Monday morning, a baby mountain lion, presumably an orphan, was found all alone walking down a road in El Dorado County, California. Residents alerted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife who set up surveillance cameras and searched for its mother, but to no avail. For several days, no adult female was spotted in the area, which meant the cub was either abandoned or orphaned.
Meet Little Briar
The cub, believed to be around four to five months old, was named Briar due to the distinctive spots on his fur that resemble a blackberry bush. This unique feature helps the cub blend into its surroundings while still vulnerable.
Briar Was Sent to The Oakland Zoo
After several unsuccessful attempts to locate the cub’s mother, the authorities sent little Briar to the Oakland Zoo for treatment and care. Since Briar is just a baby, he can’t survive in the wild, which means he will need to spend some time in the Zoo or till he finds a forever home in a sanctuary for rehabilitation.
A Mystery How Briar Was Found Alone
Officials are yet to ascertain how Briar was found walking alone on a road in El Dorado County. According to reports, it is not uncommon for mountain lions to be killed by cars, in which case, even her cubs are not likely to survive. Oakland Zoo, on their website, writes, “When a mother mountain lion is killed in a car strike, likely, her cubs will not survive because they rely on her for food and guidance.” Briar is clearly a champ for staying alive and a little miracle boy.
In January, a mountain lion was killed while crossing a Southern California highway. A few days later, a cub was found dead not far from the spot, suggesting it could have belonged to the dead lion.
Briar Is Doing Well
Videos of Briar show he is doing quite well, although the cub does look a bit mystified and disoriented during a veterinary examination. Briar is seen wrapped in a light blue blanket that matches his bright blue eyes. Vets have found no health problems with the little cub, who appeared in good health. He was named Briar for resembling a blackberry bush.
Oakland Zoo’s Continued Efforts in Wildlife Rescue
Briar is the 27th mountain lion rescue undertaken by the Oakland Zoo’s Bay Area Cougar Action Team alliance, demonstrating the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
The community has shown significant support for Briar’s rescue, expressing both sadness over the loss of his mother and optimism for his future at the Zoo. Many have praised the efforts of the resident who found him and the dedicated care provided by the Zoo’s staff.
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