This December 22, 2015 photo provided by the National Park Service shows kitten siblings P-46 and P-47 at their den in the western Santa Monica Mountains. The National Park Service says biologists recently discovered the two mountain lion kittens in the Santa Monica Mountains west of Los Angeles. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area biologist Jeff Sikich says the successful reproduction indicates the quality of the habitat is high for the relatively urbanized area. (National Park Service via AP, File)
The National Park Service says biologists recently discovered two mountain lion kittens in the Santa Monica Mountains west of Los Angeles.
Jeff Sikich, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area biologist, says the births indicate the quality of the habitat is high for such a relatively urban area.
The park service said Thursday that Sikich suspected the mother, dubbed P-19, may have given birth because GPS showed she was in a limited area for three weeks.
Her den was found in a remote area at the west end of the range. Biologists implanted the female and male kittens with tracking devices, and DNA testing is underway to identify the father.
P-19's two previous litters resulted from inbreeding with her father. Another possibility is a newly discovered male line dubbed P-45.
This Dec. 22, 2015 photo provided by the National Park Service shows kitten siblings P-46 and P-47 at their den in the western Santa Monica Mountains. The National Park Service says biologists recently discovered the two mountain lion kittens in the Santa Monica Mountains west of Los Angeles. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area biologist Jeff Sikich says the successful reproduction indicates the quality of the habitat is high for the relatively urbanized area. (National Park Service via AP, File)
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