P-22, Hollywood's famous mountain lion, is euthanized after suffering injuries

The mountain lion's presence in Los Angeles captured the attention of the city's residents for a long time. His tale came to an end on Saturday.

The animal, known as P-22, was euthanized by wildlife officials after they discovered he had a number of medical issues.

According to the National Park Service, the "Hollywood Cat" made his debut in 2012 after completing a dangerous trek from the Santa Monica Mountains.

He became a celebrity after people spotted him near the Hollywood sign and he hid underneath a LA home. The authorities made a decision to capture P-22 on December 8th.

After receiving reports that P-22 continued to appear dangerously close to human dwellings, may be distressed after killing a leashed pet in November, and reports that a vehicle hit him.

The medical team at the San Diego Zoo and officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended that P-22 be euthanized.

CDFW officials said in a press release that the tests and screenings showed trauma to the mountain lion's head, right eye and internal organs, and that it was likely that it had been hit by a vehicle. He would need to have his internal organs repaired.

The medical team cited the animal's advanced age, and pre-existing illnesses, as well as the fact that it was too old, in its decision to kill the lion.

They don't want to know who hit P-22.

The situation is not the fault of P-22, nor of the driver who may have hit him. It's an eventuality that arises from habitat loss and it underscores the need for thoughtful construction of wildlife crossings and well- planned spaces that give wild animals room to roam.