Celebrity Mountain Lion AKA "The Hollywood Cat" Has Officially Been Captured

Jordan Claes
A roaring cougar.
Unsplash | Thomas S.

You never know who you might run into in the Hollywood Hills and the greater Los Angeles Area. You might encounter a Kardashian while out for your morning stroll or witness Tom Cruise as he prepares to leap from an airplane.

You might even run into LA's most famous mountain lion, P-22. However, after several close calls, as well as at least one documented death of a family pet, P-22 aka "The Hollywood Cat" has officially been captured and his future remains uncertain.

Over The Past Decade-Plus, An LA Mountain Lion Has Become Something Of A Local Celebrity.

A mountain lion sitting on a rock.
Unsplash | Zach Key

Known as P-22, the big cat first made headlines for crossing two LA freeways in order to reach its current habitat in Griffith Park. Although it has never been substantiated, P-22 is believed to be roughly 12 years old, thus making him the oldest of all mountain lions that are currently being tracked by National Park Service researchers in the LA County area.

After Numerous Close Encounters With Humans And At Least Two Recorded Attacks On Local Pets, P-22 Has Officially Been Captured.

A cougar with its mouth open, ready to strike.
Unsplash | Gideon.Photo

According to the authorities, P-22 was safely captured in a backyard located in the Los Feliz neighborhood in Los Angeles. According to one homeowner, wildlife experts came knocking on her door at 10:45 AM on December 12th, informing her that the big cat was found hiding among the bushes and that it had been there since at least Sunday night.

Wildlife Experts Used What Appeared To Be A Tranquilizer Dart In Order To Bring P-22 Down Safely.

After being examined by veterinarians working on behalf of Fish and Wildlife and the National Park Service, P-22 was said to be doing well and was in stable condition. Afterward, he was released into the custody of wildlife officials.

"CDFW veterinarians and NPS biologists will determine the best next steps for the animal while also prioritizing the safety of the surrounding communities," the press release read.

"This is an unprecedented situation in which a mountain lion has continued to survive in such an urban setting," the DFW rep continued.

"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 recent change in behavior, stemming from a lack of habitat, has already resulted in the death of one leashed chihuahua. As it stands today, experts are unsure as to whether or not P-22 will ever be released back into the wild.