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Rat Poison Probably Killed Southern California Mountain Lion

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) - A well-known mountain lion found on a Malibu trail apparently died from rat poison.

The National Park Service announced Tuesday that five types of anti-coagulant were found in the immature female tagged P-34.

Authorities say the cougar could have eaten an animal that consumed the poison, such as a ground squirrel, or something that preyed on the rodent.

P-34 was found in late September by a hiker in Point Mugu State Park west of Los Angeles. She made headlines last year by lounging under a Newbury Park mobile home.

Rat poison is a serious problem for the small cougar population in the Santa Monica Mountains, which is hemmed in by dense urban areas.

The park service says rodenticides have been found in 12 of 13 cougars it tested. Three died.

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