What Happened to P-22 and When
In December 2022, P-22, the famous mountain lion who lived in Griffith Park and traveled under U.S. 101, was captured near death in Los Angeles and euthanized by wildlife officials after humane evaluation. He was thin, had mange, a head injury, and a parasitic infection, and his condition was irreversible. P-22 was approximately 12 to 13 years old at the time of his death, and a necropsy later confirmed a progressive, ultimately fatal systemic illness. The events leading to his death highlight the vulnerabilities of isolated urban wildlife populations and the difficult decisions wildlife agencies face in managing individual animals in human-dominated landscapes.
P-22 at a Glance: Key Verified Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Male mountain lion (P-22), originally from the Santa Monica Mountains | Genetic and remote-collar data |
| Location at Death | Captured near death in Griffith Park, Los Angeles | California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) |
| Date of Death | December 17, 2022 | CDFW public statement |
| Age at Death | Approximately 12–13 years old | Postmortem assessment and collar data |
| Cause of Death | Euthanized due to irreversible systemic illness (mange, head injury, parasitic infection) | CDFW necropsy and clinical evaluation |
| Travel Record | Crossed 101 via Hollywood Freeway underpass in 2012, lived largely in Griffith Park | GPS collar data, CDFW records |
Timeline of P-22’s Life and Final Days
P-22’s journey began when he dispersed from the Santa Monica Mountains as a young male, successfully crossing the U.S. 101 via the newly installed wildlife underpass in 2012 and settling in Griffith Park. For over a decade, he became the most recognizable symbol of urban wildlife resilience in the United States. Over time, biologists tracked his movements and health via GPS collar, documenting an isolated life with limited opportunities for genetic exchange. In late 2022, he was found increasingly weak and malnourished. After diagnostic tests and clinical assessment, veterinarians determined his condition was grave and unlikely to improve, leading to the decision to humanely euthanize him. The procedure was conducted with the oversight of multiple agencies and followed strict guidelines for free-ranging wildlife in urban environments.
Medical Findings at the Time of Death
Following euthanasia, a comprehensive necropsy was performed by wildlife health experts. Results indicated severe mange, a significant head injury, and a parasitic infection that together created a life-threatening cascade of health issues. These conditions were consistent with long-term immune compromise and chronic stress associated with living in a fragmented habitat. The pathological findings aligned with clinical observations during his final capture, validating that his body could no longer sustain basic physiological function. While individual circumstances were tragic, they underscored broader patterns seen in other isolated puma populations, where inbreeding and human pressures reduce resilience.
Broader Implications of P-22’s Death
P-22’s death was more than the loss of a single animal; it served as a stark case study in the challenges faced by wildlife populations cut off by roads and urban development. His story spotlighted the importance of habitat connectivity and the role of engineered crossings in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. It also highlighted limits of short-term interventions for animals suffering from systemic issues tied to long-term isolation. Conservation groups used his example to advocate for larger landscape-level protections, wildlife corridors, and policies that address genetic bottlenecks in fragmented populations.
Public Response and Scientific Takeaways
From the time news of P-22’s condition emerged, the public response was intense, reflecting deep emotional connections to urban wildlife. Scientists and wildlife managers used the moment to communicate about mountain lion ecology, the risks of inbreeding, and the need for proactive planning in rapidly developing regions. Ongoing studies in the Santa Monica Mountains and broader Southern California region continue to monitor puma movements, genetics, and roadkill patterns to inform future crossings and land-use decisions. P-22’s legacy endures in those efforts, guiding habitat conservation and public engagement long after he was gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did P-22 get to Griffith Park? He likely dispersed from the Santa Monica Mountains as a young male and crossed under U.S. 101, then established territory in Griffith Park.
- Was P-22 euthanized? Yes, he was humanely euthanized after capture due to irreversible systemic illness and poor prognosis.
- What were the direct causes of death? Severe mange, a head injury, and a parasitic infection, collectively resulting in a systemic condition that was fatal.
- What has changed for mountain lions since P-22? Increased focus on wildlife corridors, highway crossing projects, and genetic rescue initiatives across Southern California.
- Are there other mountain lions in Griffith Park? Occasional detections occur, but no known resident population exists; Griffith Park remains an isolated patch of habitat.