With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
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.
Support for LAist comes from
The picture is a reminder of the animal kingdom that exists seemingly right under our noses.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump. -
The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence. -
This is the one time you can do this legally! -
Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.”
Best of LAist