Henry Hoke found inspiration for his mountain lion narrator in Open Throat in the real-life story of P-22. P-22 was a mountain lion that lived in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. P-22 made his way into the city by crossing a highway, much like the narrator in the novel crosses the long death: “As a young mountain lion, P-22 made headlines by crossing two of LA’s massive freeways to find his long-time home in Griffith Park” (Rosenau, Josh. “A Year After the Passing of the Iconic Puma of LA’s Hills.” Mountain Lion Foundation, 2023). P-22’s many years in the park were well-documented, and he soon became a celebrity. Angelinos knew not to disturb him, and to give him space when spotted. Through the many photos taken of him and the constant attention, P-22 became a sort of symbol: “National Geographic photographer Steve Winters’ iconic photograph of P-22 in front of the Hollywood sign came to symbolize the strength and courage needed to make that long crossing. It cemented the cat as an A-lister and galvanized a movement to save LA’s cougars” (Rosenau). 

P-22’s journey was not an easy one, and highlighted the impact of habitat loss and climate change on the region’s native apex predator. Forced into the city, P-22 captured the tragedy of the cougar’s dwindling population. Even in the park, P-22 faced much adversity: “He experienced nearly all the dangers threatening the survival of mountain lions: cars, poisons, shrinking habitat and inbreeding” (Rosenau). The narrator of Open Throat reflects the experiences of P-22, as they also face much danger. First, despite trying to save someone from a fire, bottles are thrown at them out of fear. That same fire then also drives the narrator out of the park. They lose this habitat and venture into an unknown city with even more dangers.