Wildlife

Puma Welfare Across the Americas

Pumas are the most widely distributed wild cat in the Americas, but face persecution, vehicle strikes, and habitat fragmentation across their range.

Key Facts

Pumas range from Canada to the southern tip of South America
They are killed in high numbers by livestock producers across their range
Vehicle strikes kill significant numbers in fragmented landscapes
Young dispersing males have very high mortality from persecution
Florida panthers are a critically small subpopulation facing severe road mortality

Welfare Considerations

Trapping and poisoning by ranchers causes extreme suffering. Vehicle strikes cause traumatic injuries, and many animals survive in severely injured states for days. Young males dispersing from natal territories face hostile encounters with territory-holding males. Florida panthers in particular suffer from genetic issues caused by past population bottlenecks, affecting health and reproductive success.

What You Can Do

Support livestock guardian dog programs reducing predator conflict
Donate to wildlife crossing programs in fragmented puma habitat
Advocate for better road mortality data collection and mitigation
Support genetic management programs for Florida panthers
Oppose trophy hunting of pumas where populations are in decline