Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are present across Wyoming. While these large felines inhabit diverse landscapes, direct encounters are uncommon. Their elusive nature means they are rarely seen, preferring to remain hidden from human activity.
Mountain Lions in Wyoming
Mountain lions are widespread throughout Wyoming. They are found in all major mountain ranges, including the Black Hills and the pinyon-juniper country. These cats prefer rocky, brushy areas with steep slopes, cliffs, and scattered tree cover, which provide ideal hunting and resting spots. Their populations have increased over the past few decades.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) manages mountain lions as a “Trophy Game Animal,” though they do not provide an official statewide population estimate. Instead, management relies on population trend assessments based on mortality data and harvest quotas set for different hunt areas. While mountain lions are primarily found in wild, remote areas, their presence has occasionally been noted closer to human settlements, especially when prey animals like deer and elk move into developed areas.
Understanding Mountain Lion Behavior
Mountain lions are solitary animals, generally traveling alone except during mating season or when a female is raising her young. They are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet consists solely of meat. Their primary prey includes deer and elk, though they also consume smaller mammals such as porcupines, raccoons, and coyotes. These cats are ambush predators, often stalking their prey and then attacking with a short, powerful burst of speed.
Mountain lions are most active during dawn and dusk, a behavior pattern known as crepuscular activity, which often aligns with the activity of their prey. While they can be active at any time, their natural inclination is to avoid human contact. If detected, a mountain lion will typically try to escape rather than confront a person. This secretive behavior contributes to the rarity of human encounters.
Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country
Minimizing the risk of a mountain lion encounter involves several proactive measures, particularly when recreating in their habitat:
Hiking in groups and making noise can reduce the chance of surprising a lion, allowing them time to move away.
Keep children close and pets on a leash, as their smaller size or erratic movements might attract a lion’s attention.
Avoid hiking during dawn and dusk, when mountain lions are most active.
If an encounter occurs, remain calm.
Do not run, as this can trigger a lion’s chase instinct.
Face the animal, make eye contact, and appear larger by raising your arms or opening a jacket.
Speak firmly and loudly to deter the animal.
If an attack happens, fight back using any available means, such as rocks, sticks, or your bare hands, aiming for the animal’s head and neck.
Report any sightings or encounters to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.