10 U.S. States Where Mountain Lions Still Roam Free – Is Yours on the List?
Mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas, or the more “glamorous ghosts of the forest,” still prowl across more than a third of the U.S. The United States contains 30,000 to 40,000 mountain lions in its territory, and their most incredible numbers exist west of the Rocky Mountains.
Being lucky enough to witness a mountain lion encounter remains as difficult as detecting your phone with two percent of power remaining. Do you reside in a state that comprises its hidden territory?
The 10 states below welcome hikers and photographers to see their natural side. Finding a mountain lion is more likely than bumping into your favorite morning coffee bartender in this area.
California
Mountain lions are found throughout California in numbers ranging from 4,000 to 6,000, making it the state with the most of this species.
Spotting “Ghost Cat” is still a privilege—these elusive predators favor the Golden State’s chaparral, woodlands, and even the outskirts of some suburbs.
Residents of the state, with its 39 million population, still encounter a mystery regarding mountain lions. Ecosystem balance and deer mortality regulation depend on these big cats to exist.
Colorado
According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, with roughly 3,000–4,400 mountain lions, the Centennial State is cougar central, especially in its rugged foothills and sprawling Rockies. The natives make fun of how much the feline population enjoys hiking more than the human visitors.
The chance of spotting cougar tracks during a snowfall exceeds the opportunity of witnessing a live cougar. Keep pets leashed and practice the classic “make yourself look huge” routine. Fox Mountain gives you the exact level of enjoyment that you might suspect from such a title.
Utah
As of 2022, Utah’s landscape provides a suitable habitat for 1600 agile adult mountain lions. According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, younger cats continue spreading into new areas because their numbers are rising.
Surprise! Utah cougars don’t hibernate. To protect yourself from an unexpected meeting, keep a watchful eye out when hiking and only take group trips. Professional lion wranglers have the necessary experience to handle these situations.
Arizona
Arizona’s big cats have adapted to thrive in the state’s hot, arid landscapes, and mountain lions proudly claim the Grand Canyon State as their home.
Based on a report by the National Park Service, these cats are particularly fond of the state’s Rocky Mountain ranges and pine forests. They are the region’s only remaining large predators.
Mountain lions frequently infiltrate golf courses to obtain refreshments (this situation is genuinely actual). Urban sightings documented by Arizona Game & Fish demonstrate these cats possess the same adaptive abilities as their stealthy behavior.
Value tip? You will need lengthy wait times and generous sun protection to spot one.
Oregon
Surveys conducted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife indicate that the state currently holds about 6,000 mountain lions, representing one of the most consistently stable species numbers across the United States.
The state’s dense forest territory creates excellent hunting conditions for pumas. Increasing your chances of spotting a mountain, the Cascade Mountains and the Blue Mountains specifically provide the best chances to spot one, as residents in Oregon believe their cougar stories surpass stories about Bigfoot.
Pet owners should keep their animals within view and refrain from running unless they need to get to their coffee date quickly, which is still a risk.
Washington
About 2,000 mountain lions live in Washington’s forests and mountains, especially in the eastern and central regions. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, attacks are exceedingly rare, but sightings have risen with expanding human development.
This region’s mountain lions have developed a habit of resting in backyard trees, hiding effectively between branches that conceal their presence. Mountain lions remain elusive predators that prefer to evade human contact while remaining masters of stealth, which is essential for safety.
Are you heading out on the trail? The best way to stay safe is to use loud vocalization during walks, move in teams if possible, and keep dogs on a leash.
Montana
The extensive open fields that define Montana are also controlled by the Mountain lions, whose population across the state totals 2,500. Wild mountains extending across Glacier National Park and the Bitterroot Range give Montana cats adequate space to explore.
Cougars function as crucial regulators of elk and deer groups, thus preserving ecological balance. The trail credential of mountain lions depends on your track knowledge, but they will always observe you before you spot them.
Wyoming
Wyoming contains extensive open lands and national parks, which serve as homes to rarely sighted cougars. You can spot cougars near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, mainly in the morning and evening.
A remarkable fact about this area is that mountain lions successfully climb high altitudes while dragging their prey behind them. For safety, you should be more aware of bear threats and cougars.
Outdoor tip: Bear spray is an effective defense against mountain lions and black bears. But, it remains crucial to reserve testing this spray except in critical situations.
New Mexico
Mountain lions are unique to New Mexico, and jaguars occasionally encroach into their overlapping Mexican border territories. The winter months bring higher probabilities of mountain lion sightings because these predators chase their prey through towns to obtain food.
Because of their solitary and stealthy behavior, such magnificent cats rarely appear before humans. When you explore the area, you should verify your tracking path while searching for signs of mountain lion activity, such as paw marks and excrement.
The alien quality of these fantastic roaming animals deserves sincere admiration for their presence in the Southwest wilderness.
Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates that 120–230 Florida panthers survive as the sole mountain lion subspecies within the Sunshine State territory. Wild panthers explore all areas of South Florida, including its swamps and cypress forests, and move toward the residential outskirts of Miami.
Surprising fact: Panthers have demonstrated a stronger tolerance for flatlands and a warm climate than the native human population. Observing a wild panther makes the day of any true wildlife enthusiast dramatic.
Tourists should visit the Everglades to see them, but avoid attempting risky close-up photos with panthers.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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