Curious about where you’re most likely to spot a cougar in the U.S.? Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are elusive creatures that live in various states across the country.
While they can be found in many places, certain states have higher chances of cougar sightings due to their suitable habitats.
1. Wyoming
About 44,379 square miles in Wyoming, or 48% of the state, is considered possible mountain lion habitat.
This habitat is spread out across most of Wyoming, with higher concentrations in the northwest near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the Bighorn Mountains in the north-central part, the mountains around Cheyenne and Laramie in the southeast, and the Black Hills in the northeast.
The Mountain Lion Foundation estimates that Wyoming could have up to 2,000 adult mountain lions. (ref)
According to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, mountain lion populations are strong throughout Wyoming, but their numbers can vary depending on food availability, habitat quality, and local management. (ref)
2. Washington
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), cougars live in the forested parts of the state, which cover about 34,168 square miles. This habitat is spread across much of Washington, except for a large area around the Columbia River. (ref)
WDFW estimates the number of cougars based on how many live in suitable habitats. They currently estimate there are around 2,400 independent cougars in Washington. An “independent” cougar is one that can live on its own, including young adults and adults. Cougars often share their habitat with other predators like wolves and bobcats.
WDFW is working on the Washington Predator-Prey Project to study how wolf recovery affects other animals like cougars, deer, and elk. (ref)
3. Idaho
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) estimates that about 97 percent of the state, or around 80,000 square miles (207,199 square km), could be suitable for mountain lions. However, this estimate might be too high.
A different analysis found that there are actually about 49,314 square miles (127,722 square km) of possible mountain lion habitat in Idaho.
Mountain lions are spread across most of the state, but they are probably less common in the open areas of the Snake River Plain. The Mountain Lion Foundation estimates that there might be around 2,000 or fewer mountain lions in Idaho. (ref)
4. Nevada
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) estimates that about 50,000 square miles, or roughly 45 percent of the state, is good habitat for mountain lions.
Mountain lions can live in many different types of environments in Nevada. They like areas with dense cover or rugged terrain but can also be found in low desert regions. In Nevada, their habitat often includes pinyon pine, juniper, and mountain mahogany.(ref)
With about 50,000 square miles of suitable habitat, the Mountain Lion Foundation estimates that there are around 2,200 mountain lions in Nevada.(ref)
5. Oregon
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) says that 71,997 square miles, or 75 percent of the state, is good habitat for cougars. (ref) Oregon has more than 6,000 cougars, including both young and adult ones. Cougars are shy and usually stay away from people, so you might not see one even if it sees you.
Cougars are a success story in Oregon. They were once hunted and only about 200 were left in the 1960s. After being reclassified as game animals and protected by law, their numbers have since increased. (ref)
6. New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Game & Fish (NMDGF) indicates that mountain lions “generally inhabit the rougher country in New Mexico avoiding the low elevation desert areas and eastern plains. They do however occur in these areas in conjunction with pockets of mule deer and areas of topographic diversity.”
It seems New Mexico has lost 39,448 square miles of mountain lion habitat but has gained 1,930 more adult mountain lions. (ref) The Mountain Lion Foundation believes that NMDGF’s new population model from 2010 might be influenced more by political reasons than scientific evidence, used to justify higher hunting limits since then. (ref)
7. Colorado
Almost 60 percent of Colorado is good habitat for mountain lions. These adaptable animals can live in many different environments in Colorado, from high deserts to alpine forests. (ref)
There are estimated to be around 3,800 to 4,400 adult mountain lions in the state. Mountain lions are found throughout Colorado, including the Front Range, and they live in areas with piñon pine, juniper, mountain mahogany, ponderosa pine, and oak brush. (ref)
8. California
An estimated 71,117 square miles, or 46 percent of California, is good habitat for mountain lions. This habitat is spread throughout the state, except for the Central Valley and nearby southeastern desert.
A major study of mountain lion numbers in California was done by scientists from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Audubon Canyon Ranch, the Institute for Wildlife Studies, and the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Davis.
According to the Los Angeles Times, they found the population is between 3,200 and 4,500 cougars, which is lower than the old estimate of about 6,000, according to the Los Angeles Times. (ref)
9. Montana
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) tracks mountain lion populations in two of its four ecoregions. In these areas, there are about 2,500 adult mountain lions. The department estimates that around 74,000 square miles, or 51 percent of the state, is suitable for mountain lions.
However, this estimate might be too high. Researchers from the Mountain Lion Foundation found that the actual habitat is closer to 47,975 square miles.
In June 2023, the Montana FWP Commission decided to increase hunting quotas to reduce mountain lion numbers by 30 to 40% in certain areas. These changes were based on recommendations from the Lion Ecoregional Population Committee (LEPOC) and updates from Commissioner Tabor. (ref)
10. Texas
Since 1983, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been collecting reports of mountain lion sightings and deaths from the public. They use this information, rather than actual population numbers, to determine where mountain lions are found. Mountain lions have been spotted in all 254 Texas counties. (ref)
Texas is the only state with breeding mountain lion populations that have protections. Most states either protect mountain lions or classify them as big game or endangered.
In Texas, they are listed as non-game animals and can be killed at any time. There are no current population monitoring efforts. (ref)
11. Utah
Cougars are widely distributed across Utah’s mountainous areas, and the state’s Division of Wildlife Resources estimates around 2,500 to 3,000 adult mountain lions. Utah’s diverse terrain provides the ideal environment for them.
12. Arizona
Arizona has significant cougar populations, especially in the mountainous regions and national forests. The Arizona Game and Fish Department estimates around 2,000 mountain lions inhabit the state, and sightings are common near wilderness areas.
13. South Dakota
Cougars have made a notable recovery in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Although their numbers are lower compared to western states, they are well-established and sightings are fairly common here.
These states, where cougar sightings are most common, offer a glimpse into the diverse habitats that these powerful animals call home.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.