20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Lion Above Los Angeles Watches the Sunset

A California cougar (Puma Concolor) watches the golden sunset above Los Angeles and Santa Monica Bay. Living on the urban fringe of a bustling metropolis, this mountain lion survives high in the hills above celebrity mansions overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The only other megacity with urban lions is Mumbai, India. Mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains are endangered and suffer from genetic inbreeding because they are surrounded by the bustling 405 and 101 Freeways in Los Angeles. Fortunately, the world’s largest wildlife crossing, The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, is now being built and may ensure the mountain lion’s survival.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 6D
Copyright: © Jason Klassi