SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M. — A subadult male mountain lion named Grande continues to provide valuable data to wildlife researchers at the Pueblo of Santa Ana Department of Natural Resources.

First GPS-collared on Jan. 19, 2025, Grande returned just nine days later to the same bait station, where a road-killed coyote had been tethered for observation. Surveillance revealed typical feline behavior as he batted the carcass around before finishing his meal and moving on.

Since collaring, the department has verified 16 of Grande’s predation events. His diet has included seven beavers, four elk (three calves and one cow), two feral horse foals, and single kills of a sandhill crane, raccoon and coyote. While the data reflects the macabre realities of predator life, it also provides critical insights into the behavior and ecological impact of wild mountain lions.

Source: Pueblo of Santa Ana Department of Natural Resources