Cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas (Puma concolor), are native to Washington State and represent the largest cat species found within its borders. They are powerful predators found in many different environments across the landscape, not just rugged, remote mountains. Understanding their presence is key to safely sharing the environment with this magnificent animal.
Confirming Presence and Habitat Range
Cougars are widely distributed throughout Washington, occupying roughly half of the state’s land area where adequate cover and prey are available. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) estimates the adult population to be around 1,900 to 2,100, though this figure can fluctuate. These cats are notably absent only from the islands of Puget Sound and the most developed urban centers.
The distribution of cougars differs between the state’s two distinct geographical regions. Western Washington, with its dense coniferous forests, coastal mountains, and parts of the Cascade Range, provides ample hiding spots and a steady supply of prey. Conversely, cougars in Eastern Washington inhabit more arid environments, including shrub-steppe areas, canyons, and the eastern slopes of the Cascades and smaller mountain ranges.
Cougars are highly adaptable and use a variety of terrains, including forested lowlands, rugged canyons, and areas with rock outcroppings. The presence of their primary food source, typically deer, is the strongest predictor of where a cougar will establish its territory. The WDFW actively monitors the population to maintain a stable, self-sustaining number while working to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
Understanding Cougar Behavior
The cougar is a solitary and elusive animal; most residents will never see one in the wild. They are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. This preference for low light helps them remain unseen while hunting.
Their diet is predominantly made up of large ungulates, with deer being their main prey, followed by elk. A large adult cougar generally kills a deer or elk every 7 to 12 days to sustain itself. They are ambush predators, often utilizing dense vegetation or rocky terrain to stalk their prey before a short, powerful burst of speed.
Cougars are highly territorial, with males maintaining large home ranges that can span 100 to 200 square miles. Female home ranges are smaller, typically between 30 and 70 square miles, and often overlap with the territory of a male. They mark their boundaries using scrapes—small piles of soil, leaves, and debris. This natural behavior helps regulate their population density, ensuring each animal has enough space and resources.
Staying Safe Around Cougars
As the human population expands into cougar habitat, coexistence requires specific precautions for property and personal safety. Preventing an encounter begins at home, particularly in rural or semi-rural areas. Homeowners should secure all garbage in sturdy containers and avoid leaving pet food outside, as these can attract smaller prey animals that, in turn, draw cougars.
Clearing dense vegetation and brush immediately around the home reduces the cover an ambush predator might use to approach unseen. Supervising pets and livestock is also important, as cougars may view unattended domestic animals as easy prey. Installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of a property can also act as a deterrent.
If you are recreating in cougar country, such as hiking, running, or camping, there are specific steps to take to minimize risk. Traveling in groups and making noise by talking or singing helps avoid surprising a cougar, which can trigger an unwanted encounter. It is also wise to avoid hiking during the cougar’s peak activity times of dawn and dusk.
Should you encounter a cougar, the most important rule is to never run, as this can trigger the cat’s chase instinct. Instead, you should stop, stand your ground, and immediately pick up small children or pets. The goal is to appear as large and intimidating as possible by raising your arms, opening your jacket, and speaking loudly and firmly.
Maintain eye contact and slowly back away, always giving the cougar an escape route. If the animal does not retreat or acts aggressively, you must be prepared to fight back. Use any available object—sticks, rocks, or a backpack—to defend yourself, focusing on protecting your head and neck. Any cougar sighting or encounter that involves aggressive behavior, a pet, or livestock should be reported immediately to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.