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Mountain Lion Tracks in Upper Las Virgenes Canyon

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Mountain lion tracks on the fire road in upper Las Virgenes Canyon, January 28, 2025.

While doing a run from the Victory Trailhead of Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (Ahmanson Ranch) yesterday, I came across the tracks of mountain lion headed (north) up the fire road in Las Virgenes Canyon.

My initial impression was that the tracks were on the smaller side for a mountain lion, but that was mistaken. On a recent run, I measured the stride length (toe tip to toe tip) at about 40 inches. Comparing the front track to my shoe width, it appears to be around 4 inches — so, not that small.

Some related posts:
– It’s Raining Mountain Lion Tracks!
– Mountain Lion Tracks on Rocky Peak Road
– Mountain Lion Saga