The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the National Park Service announced Thursday the plan to capture P-22 to evaluate his health and "determine the best next steps for the animal while also prioritizing the safety of surrounding communities.''

The incidents were considered unusual for P-22, who has co-existed for more than a decade with humans and pets in an area considered the smallest and most-urban range of any mountain lion. Officials said the big cat "may be exhibiting signs of distress.''

Mountain lions hunt animals in the wild but attacks on domestic pets, particularly while leashed with owners, are rare.