The mountain lion was hit by a car not far from the Lancaster Animal Care Center at 5210 W. Ave. I, where the attack on the horses took place. The mountain lion had to be euthanized due to the injuries it sustained.
Officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said they discovered large paw prints near the animal shelter and suspected a mountain lion had jumped the fence in the early hours.
The mare, which was nursing a foal, lost so much blood in the attack that veterinarians had to put it down. The foal sustained minor injuries and was relocated to a foster home.
"It looks like the mother protected her and ultimately sustained some very serious injuries herself," said Aaron Reyes, deputy director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.
According to animal control officials, mountain lions by nature would avoid heavily populated animal shelters filled with large dogs and would not target such a large victim.
The animal was likely either very hungry, thirsty or sick, Reyes said.
