Mountain lion known as P-32 hit by vehicle, killed on Interstate 5 near Castaic

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A young mountain lion known as P-32 was struck by a vehicle and killed on Interstate 5 near Castaic.

The accident happened Monday between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., according to the National Park Service.

P-32, who was approximately 21 months old, was the only male mountain lion known to have dispersed out of the Santa Monica Mountains. He had managed to cross the 101 Freeway, State Route 23, Highway 118 and Highway 126.

"P-32 conquered all kinds of freeways and highways to reach the Los Padres, but it was probably another dominant male that made him leave the area and attempt one last crossing, which obviously was not successful," said Dr. Seth Riley, a wildlife ecologist with Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Caltrans is studying a new plan to build a wildlife overpass at the 101 Freeway and Liberty Canyon Road.