In Los Angeles, the most famous mountain lion known as P-22, was captured on Monday night after likely having been struck by a vehicle. The animal is believed to be about 12 years of age and is the oldest Southern California cougar being studied. Most mountain lions live approximately 10 years.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, officials are examining the big cat after he killed a leashed dog in the residential area of Hollywood Hills. The cougar wears a GPS tracking collar as part of a National Park Service study and is frequently spotted strolling near Griffith Park, a wooded park and picnic area near Los Angeles.
P-22 was hit with a tranquilizer dart in the Los Feliz neighborhood. It is suspected the animal had been struck by a vehicle.
P-22 is a remarkably old cat in the wild and, after being deemed responsible for killing a leashed pet last month, may be exhibiting signs of distress.
CDFW statement
P-22’s change of behavior has become very concerning to wildlife officials. In the past he would be tracked hunting deer and coyotes, but in November he went after and killed a Chihuahua mix dog that had been walking on leash in Hollywood Hills.
The cougar had previously been the face of the campaign to build a wildlife crossing over the Los Angeles freeway which would give wildlife a safe place to enter and roam into the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. The bridge construction has started and is expected to be finished in 2025.
Wildlife need room to roam to keep animal populations and people healthy and safe. State officials must protect mountain lions under the California Endangered Species Act.
Center for Biological Diversity statement
P-22 has been transported to a wild animal care facility for a full physical and health evaluation. A preliminary exam reported the cougar to be severely underweight. He also has an eye injury consistent with having being hit by a vehicle. It is not likely he will be released back into the wild, however people from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Park Service, veterinarians and other consultants will make the final decision as per the outcome for the cougar. It is likely the choice will either become a home in an animal sanctuary for the rest of his life or euthanasia.
We will let you know.
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I’m glad this P22 was captured easily and is getting evaluated.
I understand a mountain lion going after “stray” animals (& I feel awful for these dogs and cats being preyed upon), however to a hungry predator, “strays are free food: easy meal”…… they don’t know the difference between a beloved pet dog or cat and a coyote or rabbit……
It’s NOT normal behavior for a mountain lion to snag dogs on leashes. What’s next might be a small child……..
Clearly this elderly mountain lion can’t be released into the wild or relocated because his hunting skills and abilities are waning and he can’t go after his “normal prey” or for that matter, combat a younger mountain lion for territorial rights…… this means the only real options for P22 are a sanctuary or euthanasia…..