Local Celebrity/Mountain Lion P-22 Tranquilized And Moved To Wild Animal Care Facility For Evaluation After Recent Behavioral Changes In Los Feliz

The California mountain lion known as P-22, or “Hollywood Cat,” has been captured by wildlife officials for a health checkup after recent changes in the animals behavior. P-22 is believed to have killed a leashed pet last month, and has been spotted outside of his usual home range near Griffith Park in Los Angeles, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wildlife officials are concerned the animal may be in distress. The CDFW and the National Park Service partnered to locate and capture the animal in the Los Feliz area, south of his home range. A photo shared by CDFW shows P-22 after being tranquilized. At a wild animal care facility the lion was found to be in stable condition, and he will undergo additional veterinary evaluation. Believed to be about 12 years old, P-22 is “a remarkably old cat in the wild,” officials said. “This is an unprecedented situation in which a mountain lion has continued to survive in such an urban setting.” P-22 is often observed near homes and people in his neighborhood, and close physical encounters have been increasing. “As P-22 has aged, however, the challenges associated with living on an island of habitat seem to be increasing and scientists are noting a recent change in his behavior. This underscores the consequences of a lack of habitat connectivity for mountain lions and all wildlife. CDFW and NPS are working to find the most humane option for P-22 and his neighbors.