Griffith Park, a natural oasis tucked within the bustling city of Los Angeles, is grabbing headlines again after an untagged mountain lion — reminiscent of the famed P-22 — was spotted prowling its grounds. The big cat caught on video last Tuesday evening sparked a frenzy of interest among Angelenos and wildlife enthusiasts, with footage showcasing the feline walking near a parking lot along Barham Boulevard, a mere stone's throw from onlooker Vlad Polumiskov.
Speaking of the uncanny sighting, Polumiskov, whose apartment complex is perched at the edge of Griffith Park, told CBS News, "I saw P-22 before, was fortunate enough to see him and this cat is way bigger than P-22." With the spirit of Hollywood forever in the air, many are already referring to the cougar with a sense of familiar fandom, hoping this animal could be the heir to the "Hollywood Cat" title.
The National Wildlife Federation, maintaining a keen interest in the developments, has warned residents to be cautious if they come across the mountain lion. Beth Pratt, a wildlife advocate with the NWF, shared her enthusiasm with CBS News, adding, "It's just another sense of wonder that here's the wild word, even in the second-largest city in the country." If researchers succeed in tagging the cat, the creature could assume the next numeric moniker in the study, P-122, an eerily fitting sequel to P-22's legacy,as per KTLA.
The appearance of the mountain lion not only stirs memories of P-22 but also underscores the need for safe wildlife passages, as noted by Pratt. She indicated to CBS News the urgency for more crossings beyond the one currently being constructed over the 101 Freeway. Amid the excitement, ardent followers of the story are quick to affinity, embracing the animal’s "script-worthy" entrance onto the Griffith Park scene. Pratt told the CBS News, "You can't make that up, you know, this is a Hollywood script, right?"
While the new cougar's origins remain a mystery, the sighting has racked up considerable attention on social media. With the wildlife community and local residents abuzz, the National Park Service reminds everyone to be mindful of their interactions with mountain lions and to report any sightings or encounters. As details emerge, eyes are peeled for more updates on Griffith Park's latest furred celebrity.
