Mountain lions in Los Angeles are becoming nocturnal

Mountain lions are prowling Greater Los Angeles at night to avoid humans exercising on their mountains.

- PATRICK PESTER

The human population of Greater Los Angeles is increasingly using mountain lion territory for recreational activities such as hiking, running and cycling.

That puts the mountain lions in a tough spot, so they're changing their behaviour. Mountain lions, also known as pumas or cougars, are naturally most active during dusk and dawn, but in places where humans engage in recreational activities, the cats now favour nighttime hours, according to a new study.