Dispute rises over what to do with P-22's remains as Indigenous people fight for Griffith Park burial

LOS ANGELES — Even in death, the mountain lion known as P-22 is caught between two worlds.

To many Los Angeles residents, he was a celebrity and symbol of an untamed California that's quickly vanishing. But for centuries, Native American tribes called mountain lions teachers and viewed them as their relatives.

Now that P-22 has been euthanized by wildlife authorities, it's unclear what will happen to the remains of the famous mountain lion. While government agencies and museum officials consider the final resting place for the cat, the Native American community in Southern California wants P-22 to be buried near Griffith Park with a ceremony that honors his spirit.

Originally from the Santa Monica Mountains, P-22 gained worldwide recognition after he was photographed in front of the Hollywood sign