An Old Mountain Lion Going Strong After a Decade

P-22 fitted with new GPS radio collar

By Chad Winthrop

Biologists have put a new GPS radio collar on P-22, one of the oldest cats to be born in the Santa Monica Mountains with a fascinating story.

According to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, on February 12, 2021, National Park Service (NPS) biologists captured P-22 to change out his GPS radio collar, which had a battery that was due to fail soon.

“To continue tracking his movements daily, he needed a new collar,” the NPS said.

The NPS now reports he now weighs 123 lbs., which is similar to past capture weights, and he appears to be in good condition.

P-22 was first documented in early 2012 by a camera trap set as part of the Griffith Park Connectivity Study. Shortly after that, NPS biologists captured and outfitted him with a GPS radio collar in March of 2012. According to the NPS, P-22 has been living in Griffith Park since at least February 2012

“Back in the day, genetic testing revealed that P-22 was likely born in the Santa Monica Mountains. That means he would have had to cross both the 405 AND the 101 Freeways to reach Griffith Park! That’s an amazing feat unmatched by any other mountain lion (as far as we know),” the NPS said. “Our biologists say this cat is an especially fascinating animal to study. His safe passage into and life in the park is a testament to the wild spaces remaining in LA.”

According to the NPS, most adult male mountain lions require ranges of 150 square miles, but P-22’s habitat is akin to a tiny home: just nine square miles.

“P-22 is now more than 11 years old, which in the wild, is a very old cat! The oldest mountain lion that we have documented during our study was approximately 12 years old (that was P-1, his father). Interesting factoid: The oldest female mountain lion in our study is P-19, who is 10 years old. We are currently following her and her litter of kittens,” the NPS said.

in News
Related Posts

(Video) A Plus Tree LLC: Leaders in Professional Tree Care for Homes and Businesses

January 22, 2025

January 22, 2025

The A Plus Tree team partners with and serves residential, apartment, HOA, commercial, and retail properties The A Plus Tree...

Palisades Council Special Meeting on Recovery Efforts to Feature Elected Officials

January 22, 2025

January 22, 2025

The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to hear about recovery plans and to engage directly with officials The...

Westside Ballet Community Rallies to Support 40 Families Devastated by Palisades Fire

January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025

Founded in 1967, Westside Ballet is Los Angeles’ oldest public ballet school, renowned for its inclusive approach to dance education...

County Board Approves Emergency Measures to Address Post-Fire Debris Flows

January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025

The measures include installing temporary flood control infrastructure, removing hazardous materials from burn zones, and coordinating with state and federal...

Renowned Developer Who Raised Family in Palisades Appointed Chief Recovery Officer for Rebuilding Effort

January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025

For Soboroff, the task is deeply personal. Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Steve Soboroff as the Chief Recovery Officer to...

Bowlero in Mar Vista Rebrands as “Lucky Strike”

January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025

Bowlero, which opened in 2015 following a retro renovation of the original AMF Mar Vista Lanes, had long been a...

Oregon Residents Arrested for Impersonating Firefighters in Palisades Fire Zone

January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025

When deputies stopped the a truck, they found occupants claiming to represent the “Roaring River Fire Department” Authorities arrested two...

Pali High School Graduates Launch Nonprofit to Help Rebuild Community

January 20, 2025

January 20, 2025

Founded by four childhood friends with deep ties to the community, Palisades Forever aims to restore the vibrant character of...

Zooey Deschanel Mourns Loss of Childhood Home in Palisades Fire “Full of Too Many Incredible Memories to Count”

January 20, 2025

January 20, 2025

The home earned it the nickname “The Church” among her childhood friends Zooey Deschanel’s childhood home, a historic 1920s Spanish...

Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Relaunches Emergency Relief Fund for Pali Fire Victims

January 20, 2025

January 20, 2025

The fund will support affected individuals and families by providing resources such as temporary housing, shelter, and essential items including...

Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory Issued for Los Angeles County Amid Strong Santa Ana Windstorm

January 19, 2025

January 19, 2025

Public Health Warns of Poor Air Quality, Health Risks as Winds Stir Pollutants From Burn Scars The Los Angeles County...

Red Flag Warning: Santa Ana Winds and Extreme Fire Danger Again Predicted This Week

January 19, 2025

January 19, 2025

Winds Up to 100 MPH Expected; Residents Urged to Prepare for Critical Fire Weather  The National Weather Service has issued...

Parts of Palisades Reopen as Containment Efforts Continue

January 17, 2025

January 17, 2025

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced the repopulation of several zones, marking a significant step in the recovery Parts...

L.A. Officials Field Heated Questions from Distressed Palisades Residents at Town Hall

January 17, 2025

January 17, 2025

Officials detail fire containment efforts, home access timelines, and future wildfire prevention plans as residents express frustration over delays By...

SMPD Identify Suspect in Fatal Broadway Shooting, But Search Continues

January 17, 2025

January 17, 2025

Authorities Continue to Review Witness Statements and Surveillance Footage as Part of Their Ongoing Investigation Authorities have identified a suspect...