The lion sleeps tonight: LA’s elusive threat P-22 is captured

Having followed the famous feline’s misfortunes closely, Ms Picchi said she immediately knew who the officials were talking about. “Everyone in my neighborhood watched the sightings,” she said. “People are concerned about P-22.”

Ms Picchi said after bringing her dog inside, she and her husband watched from the window as officials tranquilized the puma and gently wrapped it in a tarp.

The beloved big cat, she added, had not only brought attention to her neighborhood, but something vital to the city of Los Angeles, to its nature as a place where nature thrives. integrates with the urban, and where the vast space can often make even the most connected humans feel lonely.

“They feel a lot of empathy for him because he’s a bit lonely,” Ms. Picchi said of the townspeople, adding that she and others were fascinated by P-22’s story: Where was he going? How was his life? “There is this wild animal,” she added, “which is kind of Angeleno himself. ”

Wildlife officials say vets and biologists are now working together “to find the most humane option available” for the P-22. But many locals, including Ms Picchi, have expressed concern about the fate of the beast.

Beth Pratt, California executive director of the National Wildlife Federation, said figuring out what comes next for P-22 could prove difficult, given the territorial nature of male pumas. After years of wandering alone in the wilderness, he might also find the transition to a sanctuary difficult, she said.

“I’m glad he’s now in safe custody,” Ms Pratt said. “He’s being well cared for and we’ll find out what’s going on.”

Ms Pratt added that she cried when she heard of her capture.

“But I think it was mostly tears of relief.”

April Rubin contributed to the reporting, and Jack Beg contributed to the research.