This status clarification addresses what is and is not confirmed about P 22, the mountain lion associated with the Santa Monica Mountains, based on observational records, GPS tracking where permitted, and agency reports. The aim is to separate verified information from speculation and repeated misreporting. The following explains the known history, monitoring approaches, and current standing of P 22 using available public data and expert statements.
Identity and Origin of P 22
P 22 is an adult male mountain lion identified through genetics and camera trapping in the Santa Monica Mountains, part of a long-term study. Originating from populations to the west, likely the Santa Monica Mountains or adjacent ranges, P 22 became notable due to crossing major freeways and settling near Griffith Park. Genetic sampling and telemetry confirmed a distinct individual rather than a transient pass-through, enabling ongoing analysis of survival and movement patterns in an isolated urban landscape.
Key Identifiers and Study Role
- Unique ID: P 22 assigned in long-term cougar research
- Origin: Western Santa Monica Mountains region
- Notable behavior: Crossing State Route 101 and US 101
Movement and GPS Tracking History
Telemetry data documented P 22 crossing the 101 twice, establishing a home range that intersected Griffith Park and nearby greenbelts. Movement patterns revealed constrained options due to highways and urban development, informing wildlife connectivity discussions. More recent tracking updates, where available and consistent with research protocols, showed site fidelity and use of remnant natural areas within the broader region.
Movement Events Summary
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2012–2015 | Initial capture, GPS collaring, and monitoring start | First detailed data on urban mountain lion survival |
| 2016 | Documented 101 freeway crossings | Highlighted connectivity challenges and mortality risks |
| 2017–2020 | Extended residency in Griffith Park area | Demonstrated site fidelity amid urban pressures |
| Post-2022 | Collar removal or end of active tracking per IACUC | Shift to observational and genetic monitoring |
Health, Injuries, and Mortality Information
Periodic health assessments reported P 22 with injuries consistent with territorial conflicts and vehicle encounters, including cranial trauma and significant tail loss. These findings were detailed in peer-reviewed summaries and agency updates, indicating chronic challenges of living near major roads. No verified report currently confirms that P 22 is alive as of the latest monitoring cycle; available records point to mortality consistent with vehicle strike and territorial injuries around 2022, pending final confirmation from study researchers and wildlife agencies.
Injury and Outcome Overview
- Tail loss: Documented in multiple observations, likely from intraspecific conflict
- Cranial trauma: Consistent with vehicle strike or territorial fight
- No confirmed sightings post-2022: Efforts continued via genetics and indirect sign
Verified Sources and Monitoring Methods
Information on P 22 comes from the National Park Service, UCLA, USGS, and affiliated research permits, with GPS data collected under strict animal care protocols. Public communications have relied on de-identified data summaries, agency press releases, and peer-reviewed publications that balance transparency with welfare considerations. Study limitations include reduced tracking frequency over time and restrictions on interventions in urban settings.
Public Misinformation and Clarifications
Repeated claims of P 22 being sighted alive with kittens or in distant habitats have circulated widely but lack photographic, genetic, or telemetry confirmation. Clarifications from researchers have emphasized an evidence-based approach: unverified reports should not override systematic data, and narratives of survival without documentation can obscure real conservation challenges facing urban carnivores.
Conservation Implications and Broader Context
Understanding P 22’s status contributes to broader strategies for mountain lions in fragmented landscapes. Insights from this individual informed wildlife crossing proposals, habitat linkages, and mortality risk modeling, illustrating how single-animal studies can shape regional policy. Current emphasis remains on improving road crossings, enhancing connectivity, and integrating genetic rescue options where feasible.
Status Summary and Forward Look
As available evidence indicates, P 22 likely died from vehicle strike-related injuries sustained after extensive urban movement. No confirmed live sightings exist in reliable records post-2022. Monitoring approaches have shifted to indirect methods, including genetic sampling and camera surveys. Future conservation priorities center on infrastructure improvements to reduce mortality and support gene flow in and around the Santa Monica Mountains.
What Confirmed Information Shows
- P 22 crossed multiple freeways, documented via GPS
- Injuries included cranial trauma and tail loss, per veterinary records
- No verified live observations after the most recent tracking cycle
- Research informs wildlife policy and crossing infrastructure plans
For ongoing questions, consult the National Park Service and partner research updates, which reflect the most current verified findings and transparent methodologies applied to urban carnivore research.