New Mountain Lion Sighting in Griffith Park Sparks Hope

Over a year has passed since the death of P-22, the Los Angeles cougar. His passing in December 2022 due to health issues left a void in the hearts of Angelenos. P-22 was the sole known big cat residing in Griffith Park. Now, a recent sighting of an unidentified mountain lion has reignited excitement and hope among residents.

Last week, reports surfaced of a mountain lion roaming the Hollywood Hills, with videos capturing the big cat wandering through a parking lot. The National Parks Service is currently working to confirm the animal’s presence. This potential new resident has already sparked a wave of optimism about the continuation of wild creatures coexisting with humans in one of the nation’s largest cities.

Researchers are keen to investigate the newcomer, who, if confirmed, would be named P-122, a touching tribute to his predecessor. P-22 was known for his nocturnal hunts and ability to avoid the limelight despite living near Hollywood. Wildlife advocate Beth Pratt of the National Wildlife Federation expressed awe at the resilience of nature. “A second mountain lion may have entered Griffith Park, trying to make a home in the second largest city in the country, showing that nature still finds a way,” she remarked. The community has already started celebrating the possibility of a new lion in their midst, with Pratt noting the strong emotional response from residents who still miss P-22.

Despite P-22’s remarkable adaptation, his territory was the smallest recorded for any wild male mountain lion. His health ultimately declined due to malnutrition, disease, and likely a car accident. Pratt voiced her concerns for the new lion, stressing the need for safer travel routes for these animals.

The upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, slated to open in 2026, will address this need by allowing animals to safely cross a major Los Angeles highway. Although it wouldn’t have directly benefited P-22, this project represents a crucial step towards enhancing wildlife connectivity. Pratt views the sighting of the new mountain lion as a call to action, underscoring the necessity of creating safe passages to Griffith Park and beyond.

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