August 2026
From April to August of 2026, our Eaton Canyon trail cameras captured footage of mountain lions moving through a tributary wash in Eaton Canyon. The Eaton Fire burned directly through this passage, significantly altering the vegetation, cover and habitat used by wildlife. Highlights of the footage here show that the wash continues to function as an important wildlife travel corridor for mountain lions.
The trail cameras capture a solitary lion traversing the wash as well as two lions traveling together. The two lions move comfortably alongside one another, sometimes following parallel routes while remaining aware of each other’s location. Their similar size and sustained association suggest that they could be siblings, although they could be a mother and nearly grown offspring.
Mountain lions require large areas of connected habitat to find prey, establish territories and disperse. Their diet can vary from eating larger prey such as mule deer, coyotes, and bears, to smaller prey such as racoons, ground squirrels, and snakes. While Mountain lions are mostly carnivorous, vegetation including berries, nuts, roots, leaves and fruits, can also account for their diet when prey is scarce. Tributary washes and narrow canyon passages can provide important routes between larger habitat areas, particularly in a region fragmented by roads and development.
Our wildlife trail cameras allow us to observe the resilience and continued restoration of Eaton Canyon. However, the canyon is still vulnerable and by respecting the closure and staying out of the natural area and off trails, the public can help to ensure that wildlife— including mountain lions— has uninterrupted access through this thriving corridor.
