Three mountain lion cubs, named Fern, Thistle, and Spruce, were rescued in San Mateo County after being found alone by residents. The cubs were taken to the Oakland Zoo, where they underwent health examinations and were deemed healthy but thin. Their mother was likely killed in a car accident nearby, but no confirmed sightings of her have been reported since the incident. As they require substantial time with their mother to learn survival skills, the cubs will remain in captivity for their safety.
"While there were many witnesses of the mountain lion after it was hit, the carcass has since disappeared and is still being investigated," the Oakland Zoo said in a statement.
"Mountain lions are known to inhabit the Portola Valley area," Krysten Kellum, information officer for the department's Bay Delta Region, said via email.
"As such, CDFW can't confirm a relationship between the kittens and female lions using DNA," the Oakland Zoo explained regarding the missing carcass.
"Mountain lion cubs require about two years with their mother to learn survival skills before they can fend for themselves in the wild," zoo officials said.
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