P-22 Had A Severe Infection And Organ Ruptures, Final Necropsy Reveals

LOS ANGELES, CA — P-22 suffered from multiple severe injuries and chronic conditions at the time he was euthanized, according to results from the final necropsy conducted on the mountain lion.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife released the results of the post-mortem examination on Wednesday. Officials say the results confirm that P-22's health ailments were so severe that they would have impaired his ability to function in the wild and would have lowered his quality of life if placed in human care.

After very publicly making his home around Griffith Park, P-22 was captured in December 2022 after scientists noted a change in his behavior. Tests, including a CT scan, revealed he was suffering from health problems and as a result he was euthanized on Dec. 17.

The necropsy findings demonstrated P-22 had recent trauma to his head consistent with a vehicle strike the night before he was captured. The results also show the cougar had older injuries: His liver had herniated and was inside his chest cavity.

Scientists also determined P-22 was underweight, arthritic, had progressive and incurable kidney disease, and a severe parasitic skin infection over his entire body.

Toxicology results show P-22 was exposed to five rodenticides, but had no evidence of being poisoned by those substances.

After he was born around 2010 in the western Santa Monica Mountains, P-22 trekked east across the 101 and 405 Freeways – the only cougar known to successfully complete both risky crossings – before eventually making a home around Griffith Park.

First identified by wildlife officials in 2012, he soon became one of Los Angeles' most famous residents and became a frequent fixture in backyard surveillance camera footage and news reports.

He became a symbol of urban wildlife safety and conservation. P-22 was an inspiration for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, which is meant to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife.

The mountain lion was celebrated at a sold-out tribute at the Greek Theatre in February.

He was buried at an undisclosed location in the Santa Monica Mountains after a tribal ceremony in March.

Los Angeles officials are exploring building a memorial for P-22 in Griffith Park.