One of North America’s six natural species of wild cats is the mountain lion (Puma concolor). Once found throughout the continent, they are now extinct in the majority of US states.
Their current range extends from the Canadian Yukon Territory to the southern Andes of Chile, as well as the western coast of the United States.
Although sightings have been reported in most states, their presence on the East Coast is uncommon. Check out the mountain lion population by state to see whether there are any cougars in the vicinity of your residence.
Key Facts
In the United States, there are between 34,327 and 47,567 mountain lions.
The West Coast is home to the majority of mountain lion population today. The only state on the East Coast where there is a verified and steady population of mountain lions is Florida.
In places where cougar populations were exterminated, conservation and wildlife protection initiatives are assisting in their reintroduction.
In most countries, mountain lions are considered a particularly protected species.
There are now just 17 states where mountain lions are known to exist and have breeding populations.
The table below shows the estimated amount of mountain lion population in each state:
| Jurisdiction | Mountain Lion Population* | Mountain Lion Sighting Frequency** |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Alaska | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Arizona | 1,300 – 2,700 | Rare |
| Arkansas | 100 | Rare |
| California | 4,000 – 6,000 | Common |
| Colorado | 3,000 – 7,000 | Common |
| Connecticut | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Delaware | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Florida | 200 | Rare |
| Georgia | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Hawaii | 0 (None) | No sightings |
| Idaho | 2,000 | Rare |
| Illinois | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Indiana | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Iowa | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Kansas | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Kentucky | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Louisiana | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Maine | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Maryland | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Massachusetts | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Michigan | Unknown | Rare |
| Minnesota | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Mississippi | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Missouri | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Montana | 5,300 | Common |
| Nebraska | 40 – 60 | Rare |
| Nevada | 2,200 | Rare |
| New Hampshire | 0 (None) | Rare |
| New Jersey | 0 (None) | Rare |
| New Mexico | 3,000 – 4,500 | Common |
| New York | 0 (None) | Rare |
| North Carolina | 0 (None) | Rare |
| North Dakota | 80 | Rare |
| Ohio | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Oklahoma | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Oregon | 2,500 – 6,000 | Common |
| Pennsylvania | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Rhode Island | 0 (None) | Rare |
| South Carolina | 0 (None) | Rare |
| South Dakota | 200 – 300 | Rare |
| Tennessee | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Texas | 5,607 | Common |
| Utah | 1,600 – 2,700 | Common |
| Vermont | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Virginia | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Washington | 2,000 – 2,500 | Rare |
| West Virginia | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Wisconsin | 0 (None) | Common |
| Wyoming | 2,000 | Common |
*The census data in the table is accurate as of January 2024 and is meant to be used as a guide only. It was obtained from Game and Fish Departments, studies, research papers, news outlets, and other official sources. The appropriate authorities reserve the right to modify these figures at any moment in response to population trends and conservation initiatives.
**The frequency of sightings is determined by government agencies and other relevant organizations receiving reports from citizens and visitors in each individual state. They are meant to be used as a guide only and are not a measure of population density.
Sea also: Wild Hog Population By State: 2024 Trends [Statistics]
Mountain Lion Population Trends By State:
Alabama
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
In the past, cougars were common across Yellowhammer State and could be found in most types of terrain. However, by the mid-1800s, the species was vanished from the state.
Although there isn’t a mountain lion population in Alabama anymore, sighting reports are frequent.
But almost all of them prove to be misidentifications of domestic cats, bobcats, and coyotes. A few confirmed sightings of pumas have been linked to captive escapees, although these are few.
Alaska
-
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Mountain lions are permanently found in a very small region in northernmost North America. Although they are present in Yukon, a territory in Canada, there isn’t a known about mountain lion population in Alaska.
Usually, sighting reports are determined to be misidentifications of bobcats or Canadian lynx.
As mountain lions haven’t been seen in the state for many years, they are regarded as extinct and aren’t given any particular status. However, if you do manage to spot one, you are not allowed to harvest or capture it.
Arizona
-
- Estimated population size: 1,300 to 2,700
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Except in cases of depredation, a current hunting license and mountain lion tag are necessary.
- Hunting season: Year-round
The estimated number of mountain lions in Arizona is 1,300–2,700. The state is seeing a boom in cougar numbers, with many of them being healthy breeders.
However, throughout the past century, Arizona has seen a decline in the number of pumas. Previously categorized as predators, these animals are now considered large game.
In Arizona, it is allowed to shoot mountain lions all year long; however, hunting zones close after the annual quota is met. There is an open season and a pursuit-only season for anyone who wish to follow a cougar with dogs but not kill or capture it.
Arkansas
- Estimated population size: 100
- Hunting permitted: No
Only around 100 breeding cougars remain in Arkansas, making it one of the few states where mountain lions appear to be regaining territory.
throughout the 1800s, large cats were widespread throughout the state; however, by the 1900s, they had become extinct.
Wildlife scientists claim that there is now at least one breeding population of mountain lions in Arkansas. Nevertheless, the Game and Fish Department of the state has not yet verified this information.
California
- Estimated population size: 4,000 to 6,000
- Hunting permitted: No
One may characterize the Golden State as a real haven for cougars. With an estimated 4,000–6,000 individuals, California is actually home to one of the biggest populations of mountain lions in the country.
However, cougars are prohibited from being killed or otherwise harvested and are instead considered highly protected animals.
The sole exemption is for landowners who are authorized to shoot a mountain lion if it has killed or damaged their livestock or pets and they hold a depredation permit.
Colorado
-
- Estimated population size: 3,000 to 7,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. A hunting license is needed for mountain lions.
- Hunting season: Spring; Fall
If you were in doubt, Colorado is the state where there are the most mountain lions. The state is home to between 3,000 and 7,000 cougars spread throughout a variety of ranges and habitats.
Colorado does not have mountain lions under its protection, in contrast to California. In the Centennial State, on the other hand, they are regarded as great game animals.
But in Colorado, to harvest a mountain lion, hunters must pass the Mountain Lion Education Test and receive a certificate. They can’t pursue and kill these beasts if they don’t have the required mountain lion hunting license.
Connecticut
-
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Connecticut does not have a mountain lion population. The state’s plains were formerly home to huge cats, but in the 19th century, hunting drove them extinct.
Additionally, sightings are extremely uncommon; according to the state’s wildlife agency, the majority of them are misidentifications of coyotes or bobcats.
2011 saw the final recorded mountain lion sighting in Connecticut, the same year a cougar was fatally struck by a car. The cat traveled from South Dakota to Connecticut, based on DNA samples.
Delaware
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Delaware is another state without mountain lions, like Connecticut. Since the 1800s, several animals have been extinct in the state.
Every year, reports of sightings are made, but they are seldom verified. As a matter of fact, there have been no verified reports of mountain lion sightings in Delaware for many years.
Authorities say there isn’t enough proof. They claim that no corpses or remains have been discovered to corroborate sighting allegations.
Florida
- Estimated population size: 200
- Hunting permitted: No
There are only about 200 mountain lions in Florida, yet these large animals are entrenched and reproducing.
Florida views mountain lions as a protected species, with the goal of bringing the animal back to its former splendor. Although it is forbidden to hunt them, they may be taken in order to safeguard people, animals, pets, real estate, or cars.
Florida panthers, or Puma concolor coryi, are a rare subspecies of mountain lions that inhabit the state.
Georgia
-
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Georgia does not have any mountain lions, at least not a population that has been verified to reproduce. Large cats are said to exist in the state, despite the fact that there have only been three credible claims of sightings of them since 2008.
Wildlife experts claim that Georgia is home to Florida panthers as well as Tennessee mountain lions. Although the majority of them are roving creatures, encounters and disputes may occur.
Nevertheless, there is a greater likelihood of cougars traveling across the state from Florida. Florida panthers have been recognized as the subject of all verified sightings.
Hawaii
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The only state where mountain lion population are absent that did not experience the extinction of the species is Hawaii. This is because the state is not home to cougars.
Not only are there no terrestrial predators in Hawaii, but there are also no mountain lions. It is therefore a secure location for camping and trekking.
The rare mountain lion sightings in this state have been attributed to captive lion escapees.
Idaho
- Estimated population size: 2,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Required are a current hunting license and a mountain lion tag.
- Hunting season: Fall through Spring
One of the few mountain lion population still living in the United States that is truly in danger is the one in Idaho.
Approximately 2,000 cougars remain in the state today, although they are considered large game. The requirements are a valid hunting license and one lion each identify in a bag.
However, data indicates that each year, hunters take down 400–600 cougars. That’s not sustainable given the size of the population, which means that mountain lions in Idaho could soon go extinct.
Illinois
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Illinois, like other US states, once had a healthy cougar population. However, researchers and wildlife historians believe they went extinct before 1870.
This does not preclude encounters with cougars in Illinois. Despite the rarity of sightings, at least eight verified accounts have been made in recent years.
DNA data indicates that most mountain lion population seen in Illinois are strays from South Dakota, Nebraska, or Oklahoma.
Indiana
-
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Indiana, which lies farther east than Illinois, is among the states where mountain lion sightings are extremely uncommon and there is no mountain lion population.
In actuality, the state has had no cougar sightings in decades. Some reports exist, but they are all shown to be unfounded fears.
That being said, should the Game and Fish Department decide to reintroduce mountain lions, Indiana boasts a wealth of natural locations where they would be at home.
Iowa
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Even though Iowa is one of the states with the most sightings of mountain lion population—among the states where cougars are thought to be extinct—it does not have a breeding population of the animal.
The majority of cougars that stray into Iowa may be found in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The Des Moines metropolitan region reports that there have been about 34 sightings of cougars between 1995 and 2021.
Kansas
-
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Like cougar populations in most other American states, Kansas’ mountain lion population met a similar end. The species vanished from the state in the early 1900s because they were seen as a nuisance.
The state lasted 103 years without any verified cougar sightings between 1904 and 2007. But since 2007, circumstances have evolved.
There have been forty verified reports of mountain lion sightings in recent years. Although there isn’t enough proof to establish a population, cougars appear to be returning to the state.
Kentucky
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Like its surrounding states, eastern mountain lion population were abundant in Kentucky. In the 19th century, these predators were hunted to extinction because they were seen to be a nuisance.
State officials claim that by the 1930s, the large cat subspecies had vanished from the east.
Although there are no longer any cougars in Kentucky, some mountain lions do occasionally stray from neighboring states. Although verifiable sightings are uncommon, several have occurred recently.
Louisiana
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The now-extinct subspecies of eastern mountain lions once lived in Louisiana and other eastern states. But for many years, Louisiana has no mountain lion population.
For quite long time, there were also no reports of sightings. Nonetheless, there have been a few verified sighting accounts in recent years.
Maine
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Officials from the federal and state wildlife agencies claim that there is now no mountain lion population in Maine. Not many sightings have been confirmed either, and the majority of claims were found to be misidentifications of other species.
Cameras have shown that there have been occasional sightings in recent years. But in this state, your odds of seeing a bobcat or coyote are higher than those of a cougar.
Maryland
-
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The mountain lion population in Maryland has seen the same decline as that of its bordering states. These big cats became extinct by the early 1900s.
Although there are reports that cougars have returned to the Old Line State, officials have never confirmed them.
Although there had been verified sightings, these cougars were still regarded as roving creatures rather than locals. In a Prince George’s County park in 2018, mountain lion footprints were discovered; however, no other evidence of the animal was uncovered.
Massachusetts
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Massachusetts, which is also empty of mountain lions, has been cougar-free since the early 1900s, when the bounty system drove away the majority of predatory species.
Few sighting reports, albeit frequent, have turned out to be accurate. Actually, in the last few years, there have only been two confirmed sightings.
State representatives claim that in order to attract additional cougars to the area, Massachusetts does not need to improve its current forest management techniques. The state has a wealth of wildlife, with mountain lion population being protected. and forbidden to remove.
Michigan
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: No
The Wildlife Department claims that mountain lions have been exterminated from Michigan for many years. Nonetheless, observations are so frequent in this region that specialists question if these large predators have made a comeback.
There have been 74 verified reports of mountain lion population in the state since 2008. Moreover, mountain lion footprints were discovered by officials in southern Luce County in 2021. That is only one of the twelve times that mountain lions were photographed in a single year.
This frequency of sightings is more consistent with reports from places where the mountain lion population is well-established. Thus, it’s possible that cougars are reproducing in Michigan.
West Virginia
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The eastern mountain lions population that formerly prowled the state’s hollows and hills have long since vanished from West Virginia as well.
Notwithstanding tales from locals, sightings have not been verified in decades.
Alleged sightings were typically traced back to misidentifications with coyotes, bobcats, or even house pets and cats.
Washington
- Estimated population size: 2,000 to 2,500
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Fall through Spring
Washington’s cougar problem is comparable to Utah’s. The 2008 census estimated mountain lion population in the state to be between 2,000 and 2,500. The lower end of the range may be more realistic because those figures may have altered, and some experts think that there are actually less mountain lions.
In Washington, cougars are considered game animals and are huntable from autumn to spring. The actual season’s dates can change.
Opportunistic in nature, cougars may prey on cattle, much like most other predators. Therefore, shooting against cougars that pose a threat to domestic animals or property is permitted for landowners, their immediate family, and their workers.
Virginia
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Despite constant reports of sightings in the state, Virginia’s mountain lion population went extinct in the 1970s.
Sighting reports have increased in frequency throughout the past few years. Experts assert that even if they were to prove accurate, the original population would not reappear.
This is due to the fact that eastern cougars, which are extinct now, once lived in West Virginia. Therefore, the establishment of a new population would require a significant number of mountain lions to migrate from the west.
Texas
- Estimated population size: 5,607
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
In terms of cougar management, the Lone Star State has the laxest rules. Although there hasn’t been a formal census in a while, it’s believed that Texas is home to 5,607 mountain lion population.
Although cougar populations aren’t very large, they are nonetheless categorized as non-game mammals, along with coyotes, bobcats, and other unwanted species.
If the hunter possesses a current hunting license, they can be taken without restriction and at any time. When a cougar is causing damage, landowners are allowed to remove it without a permit.
South Dakota
- Estimated population size: 200 to 300
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Required are a current hunting license and a mountain lion license.
- Hunting season: Dec to Apr
There are about 200–300 cougars in the little state of South Dakota. Still, comparable to other states. Pumas are classified as large game animals in South Dakota.
The more stringent hunting regulations set this state apart from others.
In order to hunt a mountain lion population in this state, hunters must possess both a statewide mountain lion license and a valid hunting license. In order to hunt in particular regions of the state, they must also join a draw. A harvest restriction of 60 males and 40 females every season is currently in place.
South Carolina
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Rhode Island and the Palmetto State are comparable in their circumstances. Prior to the eastern mountain lions’ official extinction in 2011, there was officially no cougar population in South Carolina. There has never been proof of sightings.
On the other hand, some locals think that mountain lions have arrived in the state.
The Florida panther, the last remaining subspecies of eastern cougar, is credited for the majority of presences. But they may just as easily be mountain lion population from the West. Not that a single state authority has ever acknowledged the existence of cougars in the first place.
Rhode Island
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The last recorded sighting of mountain lions in Rhode Island occurred in 1847, which marked the end of the 19th century for this species. That is the official line of information, nonetheless.
Residents of the Matunuck region assert that mountain lions are present in Rhode Island, against the state official’s assertions.
Since there has never been enough proof gathered, there is a lot of disagreement on the veracity of those sightings. If that’s the case, it might indicate that western mountain lion population are making the area their home.
North Dakota
- Estimated population size: 80
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Sept to Mar
Though they’re not exactly mountain lion population habitat, the vast plains of the Peace Garden State are well-known for them. Nonetheless, there are about 80 breeding mountain lions in western North Dakota, where the population is steady.
State officials claim that number is adequate to justify the cougar’s classification as a major game animal.
In general, the hunting season is open from September through March. Hunting licenses must be current, and there can be quota constraints.
New York
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Conditions in the Empire State are similar to those in neighboring New Jersey. At least technically, there are no mountain lions in New York.
In addition, sightings are far more rare than in other eastern states. Not only did some turn out to be false, but in the cases where cougars were seen, it was because they had escaped from confinement.
New Mexico
- Estimated population size: 3,000 to 4,500
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
New Mexico has 3,500–4,500 mountain lion population, and its hunting laws are comparable to those in Nevada.
Mountain lions are regarded as major game in New Mexico. Anyone possessing a current hunting license can pursue and kill these large cats throughout the year-round hunting season.
In addition, landowners have the right to remove mountain lions that pose a threat to their cattle or property.
Mountain Lion Identification
In the majority of North American environments, mountain lions are the biggest wild cats. The only possible exception would be the southern United States, where there could be a few jaguar populations.
Therefore, sizing is the best approach to distinguish mountain lions from other wild cats.
Mountain lions range in length from 3.25 to 5.25 feet and stand around 30 inches tall at the shoulder. That is around three times the size of a house cat and nearly twice the size of a bobcat.
The closest in size, though still smaller than cougars, are Canadian lynxes.
The animal’s coat is one more distinction. Mountain lions have tawny, gray-brown, or reddish-brown coats. Bobcats and lynxes are marked with spots or other markings.
Additionally, tracks are easily distinguished from those of coyotes or other creatures. Round and huge, cougar tracks resemble those of wolves in size. Since huge cats have retractable claws, they don’t have any claw marks on them.
What To Do In Case Of Encounter
Even in environments where they are thought to be common, mountain lions are ferocious yet reticent animals that are difficult to locate. Encounters are infrequent since they are stealth hunters who are most active at dawn and twilight.
In the event that you come into direct contact with a mountain lion:
- Keep your distance from the animal, especially if it’s a female carrying kittens. It is advised to avoid approaching any cats you come across in the outdoors in places where cougars are common since mountain lion cubs might resemble domestic cats.
- Avoid getting close to the cougar or hurling food at it.
- Face the cougar at all times, maintain your ground, speak up, and make sure it can get away.
- Make every effort to seem larger by raising your stance as high as you can. For example, wear your jacket open or hike beside your hiking partner shoulder to shoulder.
- Shout at the cougar and hurl everything you have at it if it displays aggressive behavior. Avoid stooping to collect stones, and if the cougar strikes, defend yourself. Maybe the animal will run away if you use bear spray.
- In regions where cougars are present, never walk alone.
- Never move quickly or sprint in the event of an encounter. This might heighten the danger of an assault by igniting the cougar’s predatory impulse.
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