Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are native to Utah’s diverse landscapes. These elusive predators are an integral part of the state’s ecosystems, adapting to various terrains and playing a role in maintaining ecological balance.
Where Mountain Lions Roam
Mountain lions inhabit a wide range of environments across Utah, from high mountain forests to semi-arid deserts. They are commonly found in foothill and canyon areas, which provide ample cover and prey. They thrive in diverse habitats, including pinyon-juniper woodlands, pine-oak brush, and conifer forests at higher elevations.
Their distribution extends throughout nearly all of Utah, excluding the barren salt flats west of the Great Salt Lake. Mountain lions often select areas with rocky cliffs, ledges, and dense vegetation, offering ideal cover for hunting and denning. While typically associated with higher elevations, they sometimes venture into valleys during winter months when their primary prey, deer, move to lower elevations.
Population and Conservation Status
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) monitors mountain lion populations using methods like GPS tracking collars. While precise figures can fluctuate, recent estimates suggest Utah’s adult mountain lion population is around 1,600 to 2,700 individuals. Cougar numbers in Utah have shown an increasing trend in recent years, though some sources note a decline from a peak in 2016.
Mountain lions have been a protected wildlife species in Utah since 1967, transitioning from a historical classification as an “obnoxious animal” with bounties. They are currently managed as a game species, with hunting regulations and quotas established by the Utah Wildlife Board. The DWR’s management goal is to maintain a healthy cougar population within their current distribution, considering human safety and balance with other wildlife.
Encountering Mountain Lions Safely
While rare, knowing how to react to mountain lion encounters ensures safety. If you see a mountain lion, never run; this can trigger their instinct to chase. Maintain eye contact and appear as large as possible: stand tall, raise your arms, or open your jacket. Avoid crouching or squatting, which can make you resemble a four-legged prey animal.
Speak firmly and loudly, then slowly back away while continuing to face the animal. If you have children or pets with you, pick them up or keep them very close. In the rare event of an attack, fight back aggressively, protecting your head and neck. The mountain lion will likely flee if met with aggression.
Living Alongside Mountain Lions
Coexisting with mountain lions in Utah involves preventative measures, especially for residents near their habitats. Secure pets by bringing them indoors at night or housing them in secure kennels or barns to protect them from predation. Remove attractants like pet food, water sources, and fallen fruit from your property, which can deter wildlife, including deer, a primary food source for cougars.
Trimming dense vegetation and removing wood piles around homes reduces potential hiding spots. Installing motion-sensitive outdoor lighting also acts as a deterrent. These measures minimize the likelihood of mountain lions venturing into residential areas, contributing to safer human-wildlife interactions.