Mountain lions, also known as pumas or cougars, are one of North America’s largest predators and are native to Texas. Classified scientifically as Puma concolor, the species has inhabited the state for thousands of years, predating European settlement. Historically, mountain lions were distributed statewide, but their population was drastically reduced by the mid-1900s due to predator control efforts and habitat loss. Today, Texas maintains a self-sustaining population of these cats. They are recognized as an important component of the state’s native fauna, despite their current management status.
Where Mountain Lions Live in Texas
The core, self-sustaining population of mountain lions in Texas is concentrated in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. This area includes mountainous terrain like Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains, providing the remote habitat and ample prey the species requires. The brushlands of South Texas also support a relatively stable population, though genetic research suggests this group has reduced connectivity with the West Texas cats.
Mountain lions prefer habitats with dense cover, such as canyons, hilly areas, and thick brush, which they use for stalking prey. They are also found in portions of the Hill Country where suitable habitat persists. While these regions form the primary range, sightings occasionally occur outside of these core areas, including in the Panhandle and East Texas.
These distant sightings often involve transient or dispersing individuals, typically young males, traveling to establish their own territory. Since 2011, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has received over 250 reports of mountain lion sightings from East Texas alone. However, these scattered sightings do not indicate the presence of established, breeding populations in the eastern half of the state.
Population Estimates and Legal Status
Obtaining a precise population number for mountain lions in Texas is difficult due to their secretive nature and the state’s unique management approach. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) does not require mandatory harvest reporting or attempt to create a formal population estimate. Consequently, biologists rely on sighting and mortality data to assess the species’ distribution and status.
Some maximum habitat potential estimates suggest Texas could theoretically support up to 6,267 adult mountain lions, but experts believe the actual number is significantly lower. Research in the Davis Mountains region indicates a stable local population, but the overall population size for the state remains largely unknown. Texas is unique among states with breeding populations because it offers no specific legal protections for the species.
The mountain lion has been officially classified as a non-game animal in Texas since 1975. This classification means there are no closed seasons, bag limits, or license requirements for killing a mountain lion. They can be hunted or trapped year-round by any lawful method, often managed as a “nuisance” species on private land. This lack of regulation places Texas behind other western states in collecting data on the species’ abundance.
Safety Protocols for Human Encounters
Preventative measures are the most effective way to avoid an encounter, especially since mountain lions are most active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk. Residents in mountain lion territory should secure pets indoors at night and eliminate potential hiding spots like dense brush close to homes. Avoid feeding other wildlife, as this can attract the mountain lion’s natural prey closer to human dwellings.
If an encounter occurs, the most important rule is to never run, as this may trigger the cat’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand your ground, make direct eye contact, and appear as large as possible.
- Raise your arms above your head or open your jacket to look more intimidating.
- Pick up small children without bending over.
- Avoid crouching or bending over, as this can make a person resemble a four-legged prey animal.
- Speak firmly and loudly to the animal while slowly backing away.
- If the lion does not retreat or acts aggressively, throw objects like rocks or branches directly at it.
- If a mountain lion attacks, fight back aggressively with any available means, aiming to defend your head and neck.