Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photo: Hollywood Cougar Ready For Her Close-Up
This breathtaking image comes to us from National Geographic's Steve Winter, who has been tracking the feral feline, named P-22, for a year.
Getting the shot was a feat unto itself, as Winter set up automatic cameras for a full year to get a good enough picture of P-22, also known as the "Ghost Cat." He was successful in grabbing compelling images of other Griffith Park fauna, such as bobcats, deer and the occasional human jogger. Winter's diligence finally paid off when P-22 seemed to line up for a perfect shot in front of the iconic Hollywood sign.
The Ghost Cat's trek to her current home was no small challenge. The big cat had to cross the Hollywood Freeway, one of the busiest freeways in the world, to get to Griffith Park. Because of L.A.'s 24-hour freeway activity, Winter says, the cat is now stuck there. He is currently the only cougar known to live in Griffith Park.
The picture is a reminder of the animal kingdom that exists seemingly right under our noses.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
