CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsFinal necropsy results released for mountain lion P-22https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/final-necropsy-results-released-for-mountain-lion-p-22Wildlife HealthWed, 14 Jun 2023 12:38:21 GMTCDFW and National Park Service (NPS) reviewed the final postmortem examination and lab tests from P-22, the beloved mountain lion from Griffith Park.<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Joint News Release</strong></span></p> <p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) reviewed the final postmortem examination and lab tests from P-22, the beloved mountain lion from Griffith Park. The results confirmed P-22 had been suffering from multiple severe injuries and chronic conditions that impaired his ability to function in the wild and would have lowered his quality of life if placed in human care.</p> <p>P-22 was captured and anesthetized by CDFW and NPS on December 12, 2022, after scientists noted a recent change in his behavior.</p> <p>He was transported to the Los Angeles Zoo for initial examination and treatment, then transferred to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for follow-up evaluation, including a computed tomography (CT) scan, where it was discovered that he had serious injuries and health problems. He was euthanized under general anesthesia on December 17, 2022.</p> <p>The postmortem examination was completed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo.</p> <p>"We are grateful to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Los Angeles Zoo teams," said Deana Clifford, a senior wildlife veterinarian for CDFW. "They provided excellent care for P-22 and conducted a detailed postmortem examination that shed plenty of light on this cat's condition."</p> <p>Some findings demonstrated that P-22 had recent trauma to his head and right eye, including an orbital fracture with bleeding and early stages of scar tissue development. This is consistent with reports of a vehicle strike the night before he was captured.</p> <p>P-22 also had injuries consistent with older, significant trauma, including a diaphragmatic rupture, through which the liver and sections of connective tissue from the abdomen had herniated and were inside his chest cavity.</p> <p>Pathologists determined that this injury was older than the injury to his face and eye due to differences in the stages of scarification associated with each injury.</p> <p>The examination also confirmed that he was underweight, arthritic and had progressive and incurable kidney disease, as determined before his death. He also had a severe parasitic skin infection over his entire body, caused by demodectic mange and a fungus, specifically ringworm. This is the first documentation of a demodectic mange infection and a concurrent systemic ringworm infection in a California mountain lion.</p> <p>Toxicology testing on his liver at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (CAHFS) UC Davis revealed exposure to five anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) compounds. However, he had no evidence of AR poisoning (i.e., unexplained bleeding, injury, illness or death due to exposure to the toxicants).</p> <p>These include first-generation ARs, diphacinone and chlorophacinone, and longer-lasting and faster-acting second-generation ARs, brodifacoum, bromadiolone and difethialone. Diphacinone was also detected in a sample of P-22's blood collected after he was captured, which may indicate recent exposure. Diphacinone was also detected in P-22's blood in 2014 when he was captured by NPS biologists and treated for a different skin infection caused by notoedric mange.</p> <p>A separate CDFW study tested 247 mountain lions at the CAHFS lab. It showed that 96 percent of tested animals had exposure to one or more ARs. While felids tend to be more resistant to AR poisoning, there have been at least seven AR-related mortalities in Southern California mountain lions over the last 19 years.</p> <p>Additionally, desmethylbromethalin, the toxic metabolite of bromethalin, was detected in his body fat. Bromethalin is a widely available rodenticide that targets the brain and affects the central nervous system. Signs of bromethalin poisoning include muscle tremors, seizures, hind limb paralysis, respiratory paralysis and eventually death. There was no indication that bromethalin exposure resulted in poisoning on P-22 medical or pathologic exam. How P-22 was exposed to bromethalin, directly or secondarily through prey, is unknown. However, it is believed to be the latter.</p> <p>P-22 was likely born in the Santa Monica Mountains as the son of adult male P-1. NPS biologists first captured and radio-collared P-22 in March 2012 when he was estimated to be two years old. He was one of the most senior mountain lions in a study the NPS has conducted since 2002.</p> <p>He persisted for more than 10 years in Griffith Park and in the smallest home range that has ever been recorded for an adult male mountain lion. But life on this tiny “island” did not come without consequence. After crossing two of the busiest freeways in the world, 101 and 405, he would unknowingly become isolated and never produce offspring. His movements and access to natural habitat and prey would be restricted, putting him at increased risk for interactions with people, collisions with cars and exposure to rodenticides. As extraordinary as P-22’s life was - surviving against all odds - it is an increasingly common reality for wildlife.</p> <p>"P-22 was a fascinating animal to study," said Jeff Sikich, the lead field biologist of the NPS mountain lion study. "Not only was he an important ambassador for urban wildlife, but his scientific contributions were also many. He helped us understand how mountain lions coexist with humans in this complex urban landscape, and his legacy will live on through our heightened awareness of how to live in harmony with wild neighbors and growing public support for wildlife crossings."</p> <p>For more information about P-22’s life and legacy, visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/puma-profiles-p-22.htm" target="_blank">NPS puma profile</a>.</p> <p>Learn more about CDFW’s efforts to <a href="/language/en%20US/News/tag/wildlife-crossings#gsc.tab=0">improve wildlife connectivity</a> and to educate Californians about <a href="/Living-with-Wildlife">living with wildlife</a>.</p> <p>For more information, please review the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=213142&inline" target="_blank">final necropsy summary (PDF)</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352<br /> <a href="mailto:ana_cholo@nps.gov">Ana Beatriz Cholo</a>, National Park Service, (805) 750-9356</em></p> <p><em>NPS has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains for the last two decades to determine how they survive in a fragmented and urbanized environment. CDFW is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of mountain lions in the state.</em></p> <p><em>The mission of CDFW is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife and plant resources, and the habitats on which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.</em></p> Mountain Lion P-22 Compassionately Euthanized Following Complete Health Evaluation Resultshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/mountain-lion-p-22-compassionately-euthanized-following-complete-health-evaluation-resultsWildlife HealthSat, 17 Dec 2022 10:20:07 GMTAfter receiving a comprehensive medical evaluation, CDFW has received a clear picture of the mountain lion P-22’s medical condition and overall health. He had several severe injuries and chronic health problems.<p><span class="ca-gov-icon-arrow-fill-right"></span>  <a href="https://wildlife-ca-gov.zoom.us/rec/play/2PBf8B-Fm5FJco1OAWKnTnY8jB2MVYNjKuL2MY_xMDmptXdHn-9p2H00-SW498QqTClz9Ll5MYM8eTKp.5XSDcHJZJ980A-h2?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=PkNFfM4HQVCDJj_yTdMMpg.1671315875619.f6ea42088f259c24e67a31927a97428d&_x_zm_rhtaid=93" target="_blank"><strong>Video of Dec. 17 (10 a.m.) media update</strong></a></p> <p>After receiving a comprehensive medical evaluation, CDFW has received a clear picture of the mountain lion P-22’s medical condition and overall health. He had several severe injuries and chronic health problems. Based on these factors, compassionate euthanasia under general anesthesia was unanimously recommended by the medical team at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and CDFW officials made the decision to do so on Saturday, Dec. 17.</p> <p>P-22 received a thorough diagnostic evaluation by the Safari Park’s wildlife health team, under general anesthesia. The extensive evaluation included a physical exam, organ function tests, infectious disease screening, ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scans of the skull, chest and abdomen.</p> <p>The results of these tests and screenings showed significant trauma to the mountain lion’s head, right eye and internal organs, confirming the suspicion of recent injury, such as a vehicle strike. The trauma to his internal organs would require invasive surgical repair.</p> <p>The examination also revealed significant pre-existing illnesses, including irreversible kidney disease, chronic weight loss, extensive parasitic skin infection over his entire body and localized arthritis, all of which have led to the unfortunate deterioration in P-22’s overall condition.</p> <p>P-22’s advanced age, combined with chronic, debilitating, life-shortening conditions and the clear need for extensive long-term veterinary intervention left P-22 with no hope for a positive outcome. His poor condition indicated that he may also have had additional underlying conditions not yet fully characterized by diagnostics.</p> <p>The Safari Park wildlife care team consists of six veterinarians with additional board certification in zoologic medicine. Additionally, four veterinary specialists (board certifications in ophthalmology, radiology and surgery) were consulted.</p> <p>CDFW is not seeking information on a vehicle collision. This situation is not the fault of P-22, nor of a driver who may have hit him. Rather, it is an eventuality that arises from habitat loss and fragmentation, and it underscores the need for thoughtful construction of wildlife crossings and well-planned spaces that provide wild animals room to roam.</p> <p>On Thursday, Dec. 8, <a href="/News/california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-national-park-service-team-up-to-evaluate-p-221">CDFW announced</a> their intent to capture the world-famous mountain lion and bring him in for a health evaluation. On Monday Dec. 12, <a href="/News/health-evaluation-underway-for-mountain-lion-p-22">P-22 was captured</a> by CDFW and National Park Service and brought in for evaluation. On Dec. 13, CDFW issued a <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=207739&inline">FAQ document</a> about P-22 and held a <a href="https://wildlife-ca-gov.zoom.us/rec/play/1kEZnqoQNPHqreWI56bUZ0fcWA7nNoVkt8NQsfQAqDY1ugswlovzl21MlmnvMCOVtz_JuoL0-kmt96z6.rEVWNzf8ZubiFsBO?autoplay=true">media briefing</a> to provide an update on his condition.</p> <p>CDFW wishes to thank our many partners. This has been a difficult journey for all of us. None more so than the dedicated staff who have been caring for him over this week, the biologists who have studied his incredible life, and the many compassionate individuals who have been his neighbors and followed his travails.</p> <p>Mountain lion P-22 has had an extraordinary life and captured the hearts of the people of Los Angeles and beyond. The most difficult, but compassionate choice was to respectfully minimize his suffering and stress by humanely ending his journey.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contact</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> Health Evaluation Underway for Mountain Lion P-22https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/health-evaluation-underway-for-mountain-lion-p-22Wildlife HealthMon, 12 Dec 2022 16:39:39 GMTCDFW and the National Park Service have successfully tranquilized the mountain lion known as P-22 and transported him to a wild animal care facility for a full health evaluation.<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Joint News Release</strong></span></p> <p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) have successfully tranquilized the mountain lion known as P-22 and transported him to a wild animal care facility for a full health evaluation. After an initial assessment by qualified veterinarians, the lion was deemed to be in stable condition and is undergoing additional veterinary evaluation.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mountain lion prone on a tarp" src="/Portals/0/Images/News/2022/p22tarp2.JPG" style="width: 447px; height: 488px;" /></p> <p>On Thursday, Dec. 8, <a href="/News/california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-national-park-service-team-up-to-evaluate-p-221" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDFW announced</a> their intent to capture the world-famous mountain lion and bring him in for a health evaluation. CDFW and NPS found P-22 this morning south of his long-time home range in Griffith Park, in the Los Feliz area. An anonymous report last night indicated that he may have been struck by a vehicle.</p> <p>CDFW had not set any traps yet at the time that P-22 was located. Instead, upon determining where he was through the GPS locations and signal from his tracking collar, biologists were able to dart him in the neighborhood. CDFW veterinarians and NPS biologists will determine the best next steps for the animal while also prioritizing the safety of the surrounding communities.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS thank the community for providing help when asked and for refraining from intervening in the effort.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS have long partnered on issues related to P-22 and will work together to find the most humane option available for the lion and the community in which he lives. CDFW and NPS have already been in contact with leading institutions for animal care and rehabilitation centers.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS recognize how many people are concerned about mountain lions, their conservation, and P-22 in particular, and we appreciate this interest. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.</p> <p>###</p> <p>CDFW is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of mountain lions in the state. NPS has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains for the last two decades to determine how they survive in a fragmented and urbanized environment.</p> <p><strong>Media contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:jordan.traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352<br /> <a href="mailto:samo_newsmedia@nps.gov">Ashton Hooker</a>, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area</p> California Department of Fish and Wildlife and National Park Service Team Up to Evaluate P-22https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-national-park-service-team-up-to-evaluate-p-221Wildlife HealthThu, 08 Dec 2022 13:51:56 GMTCDFW and National Park Service (NPS) announced plans today to capture the world-famous mountain lion P-22 and bring him in for a health evaluation.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) announced plans today to capture the world-famous mountain lion P-22 and bring him in for a health evaluation. Following that evaluation, CDFW veterinarians and NPS biologists will determine the best next steps for the animal while also prioritizing the safety of the surrounding communities.</p> <p>P-22 has been reported near human dwellings close to his habitat in Griffith Park. Reports include sightings, video camera recordings and physical encounters with the lion. P-22 is a remarkably old cat in the wild and, after being deemed responsible for killing a leashed pet last month, may be exhibiting signs of distress.</p> <p>This is an unprecedented situation in which a mountain lion has continued to survive in such an urban setting. As P-22 has aged, however, the challenges associated with living on an island of habitat seem to be increasing and scientists are noting a recent change in his behavior. This underscores the consequences of a lack of habitat connectivity for mountain lions and all wildlife.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS do not require assistance to capture and evaluate P-22 and ask that members of the public refrain from any involvement in the effort.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS have long partnered together on issues related to P-22 and have been involved with him most of his life. Both agencies are actively monitoring the situation and evaluating the most humane options available for a plan of action for the lion and the community in which he lives.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em>NPS has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains for the last two decades to determine how they survive in a fragmented and urbanized environment. CDFW is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of mountain lions in the state.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Tim.Daly@Wildlife.ca.gov">Tim Daly</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 201-2958<br /> <a href="mailto:Samo_newsmedia@nps.gov">Ashton Hooker</a>, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, (307) 690-5109</em></p> CDFW Investigates Possible Mountain Lion Attack in Trinity Countyhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-investigates-possible-mountain-lion-attack-in-trinity-countyWildlifeTue, 17 May 2022 19:12:27 GMTCDFW responded to a report of a mountain lion attack in Trinity County on May 16, 2022. The incident occurred approximately 3:00 p.m. along State Route 299 near Big Bar.<p>Wildlife officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) responded to a report of a mountain lion attack in Trinity County on May 16, 2022. The incident occurred approximately 3:00 p.m. along State Route 299 near Big Bar.</p> <p>A woman was driving on State Route 299 when she stopped beside the road near a picnic area and exited the vehicle with her dog. She began walking down a path with the dog slightly ahead of her. She noticed movement beside her as a mountain lion swiped her across her left shoulder, causing injury. She screamed and her dog, a Belgian Malinois, immediately returned and engaged the mountain lion. The mountain lion bit the dog’s head and would not let go. The woman attempted to throw rocks, tug and pull them apart, and even attempted to gouge the eyes out of the lion, to no avail.</p> <p>The woman went back up to the road and flagged down a passing vehicle. A passerby stopped, retrieved a can of pepper spray and sprayed the lion in the face with little to no effect. The mountain lion was attempting to move off the trail and drag the dog to a different location. The woman and the passerby eventually retrieved a piece of PVC pipe and began hitting the mountain lion with it until it finally released the dog.</p> <p>The woman drove her dog straight to a veterinarian for emergency treatment. The dog’s condition is guarded, and it is unknown if she will survive. The woman then drove herself to receive medical treatment in Redding. Her injuries consist of bite wounds, scratches, bruises and abrasions, but are non-life threatening.</p> <p>Wildlife officers have interviewed the victim, the passerby, the veterinarian and the emergency medical physician, and have worked with each of them to collect appropriate samples for analysis. The samples were delivered to the CDFW Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Sacramento and are being processed. Although DNA analysis from samples taken during the investigation are the most reliable way to conclusively prove an attack has occurred, initial evidence from the investigation is strong enough to allow wildlife officers to treat the investigation as a legitimate attack.</p> <p>Those in the area should be aware that CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division is working with allied agency partners to trap the offending mountain lion and will further evaluate the situation if it is caught. As a reminder, people should always be vigilant when recreating in mountain lion habitat.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:patrick.foy@wildlife.ca.gov">Capt. Patrick Foy</a>, CDFW Law Enforcement Division, (916) 508-7095</em></p>