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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.

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Photo: Hollywood Cougar Ready For Her Close-Up

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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.

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