While the African lion (Panthera leo) is not found in the wild anywhere in California, the state is home to a powerful and elusive native feline. This mammal is often mistakenly referred to as the California lion, but it is known by many names and roams a significant portion of the landscape.
Clarifying the California Lion Identity
The animal most frequently referred to as the California lion is scientifically classified as Puma concolor. This single species is also known interchangeably as the mountain lion, cougar, or puma. It is the largest of the “small cats” in the Americas, with adult males weighing up to 200 pounds and females up to 120 pounds. The name “mountain lion” likely originated from early Spanish explorers who called the animal leon, meaning lion.
This cat is characterized by a sleek, muscular body and a long, thick tail that can measure nearly three feet. Its coat is typically a solid tawny, reddish-tan, or grayish-brown color, which provides excellent camouflage in various habitats. Distinct features include black coloration on the tail tip, the backs of the ears, and around the muzzle. Since 1990, the California Wildlife Protection Act has afforded this species special protections, making it unlawful to hunt or injure them except under authorized circumstances.
Range and Population Density
The Puma concolor is the most widely distributed terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, occupying nearly half of California’s total land area. Preferred habitats include mountainous terrain, coastal chaparral, foothills, and mixed forests throughout the state. Significant portions of the Central Valley and the arid southeastern deserts are generally unsuitable for their long-term presence.
Recent scientific estimates suggest the statewide population is between 3,200 and 4,500 individuals. This range is lower than the decades-old estimate of 6,000, which used less rigorous methods. Population density is not uniform, with the highest concentration found in the coastal forests of the northwest. The lowest densities are recorded in the high desert regions east of the Sierra Nevada.
Navigating Encounters and Safety
Human encounters with mountain lions are uncommon because the animals are naturally solitary and avoid people. Attacks are exceedingly rare, but residents and hikers who live in or visit mountain lion country should understand coexistence strategies. When hiking, travel in groups and keep small children close, never allowing them to run ahead. Preventative measures include securing pets and livestock at night and avoiding the accumulation of prey attractants near homes.
If a direct encounter occurs, the first rule is to avoid running, as this can trigger the cat’s chase instinct. Instead, face the animal and make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms or opening a jacket. Speak firmly in a loud voice, and do not crouch down or bend over, as this posture can resemble a natural four-legged prey animal. If the lion does not retreat and moves closer, throw rocks or other objects and fight back aggressively if an attack occurs.