Cougar Welfare and Expanding Human Footprint

Cougars are the widest-ranging wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere but face persecution, road mortality, and habitat fragmentation that limit welfare and population sustainability across their range.

Key Facts

Cougars are also known as mountain lions, pumas, and panthers across their range
Eastern cougar populations were declared extinct in 2018 after decades of absence
Western US cougar populations are legally hunted in most states through tag and lottery systems
Road mortality is a significant welfare concern in fragmented landscapes like coastal California
Young male cougars disperse long distances and face high mortality crossing roads and developed areas
The Santa Monica Mountains population in southern California is severely inbred due to freeway barriers

Welfare Considerations

Cougar welfare is challenged by their large territory requirements in increasingly human-modified landscapes. Road mortality during dispersal kills many young males before they can establish territories. In Southern California, the 405 and 101 freeways functionally divide cougar populations, causing inbreeding depression similar to Florida panther syndrome before genetic rescue. The Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing under construction across US-101 represents a major investment in cougar connectivity and welfare. Hunting removes individuals including females with dependent cubs, causing starvation of orphaned kittens. Non-lethal coexistence tools and crossing infrastructure represent the most welfare-positive interventions.

What You Can Do

Support Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing and similar freeway crossing projects
Advocate for science-based cougar hunting regulations that protect females with cubs
Donate to mountain lion research and coexistence programmes
Secure livestock with electric fencing to prevent cougar conflict and lethal control
Raise awareness about cougar dispersal mortality and the importance of habitat connectivity