Famed mountain lion P-22 euthanized after health issues

Los Angeles (AP) — P-22, the celebrated mountain lion that took up residence in the middle of Los Angeles and became a symbol of urban pressures on wildlife, was euthanized Saturday after dangerous changes in his behavior led to examinations that revealed worsening health and injuries likely caused by a car.

Officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said the decision to euthanize the beloved big cat was made after veterinarians determined it had a skull fracture and chronic illnesses including a skin infection and diseases of the kidneys and liver.

“His prognosis was deemed poor,” said the agency’s director, Chuck Bonham, who fought back tears during a news conference announcing the cougar’s death. “This really hurts ... it’s been an incredibly difficult several days.”

The animal became the face of the campaign to build a wildlife crossing over a Los Angeles-area freeway to give mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer and other animals a safe path north to the Santa Monica Mountains, where they have room to roam.

Seth Riley, wildlife branch chief with the National Park Service, called P-22 “an ambassador for his species,” with the bridge a symbol of his lasting legacy.

State and federal wildlife officials announced earlier this month that they were concerned that P-22 “may be exhibiting signs of distress” due in part to aging, noting the animal needed to be studied to determine what steps to take.

The mountain lion was captured in a residential backyard in LA’s Los Feliz neighborhood on Dec. 12, a month after killing a Chihuahua on a dogwalker’s leash.

State authorities determined that the only likely options were euthanasia or confinement in an animal sanctuary.

P-22 was believed to be 12 years old, longer-lived than most wild male mountain lions.