The large cat was struck on southbound lanes near Getty Center Drive around 1 a.m. According to a traffic log from the California Highway Patrol, authorities reported a mountain lion blocking several lanes of the freeway, stopping traffic through the Sepulveda Pass.
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The animal has since been removed from freeway lanes, but officials have not yet identified it. It appears the animal was not tagged with a collar.
The National Park Service says it likely was not P-22, one of the most famous cougars in town, but the mountain lion that was killed Thursday may be one of their study cats.
Groundbreaking set for wildlife crossing over 101 Freeway
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The fatal crash comes just a day before the groundbreaking ceremony for what's being billed as the world's largest wildlife crossing. Officials say the bridge over the 101 Freeway will give big cats and other wildlife a safe route to open space in the Santa Monica Mountains.