Pumas, also known as mountain lions or cougars, are large, adaptable felines native to the Americas. These powerful predators once roamed across a significant portion of the Western Hemisphere, from Canada to the southern tip of South America.
Current Geographic Range
The overall distribution of pumas in the United States is largely concentrated in the Western states. Viable, breeding populations are found across a broad region, primarily west of the 100th meridian. States where pumas are commonly found include California, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and parts of Texas.
Estimates suggest the total mountain lion population in the U.S. ranges between 20,000 and 40,000 individuals. Colorado is reported to have one of the highest known populations, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 mountain lions. California also hosts a substantial population, estimated between 4,000 and 6,000. Texas possesses a diverse puma population, estimated around 5,600, with high concentrations in the Trans-Pecos region.
Key Regional Populations
The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) stands as a distinct, isolated subspecies found in the swamplands of southern Florida. This endangered subspecies is the only mountain lion population remaining in the eastern United States. In the 1970s, their numbers dwindled to as few as 20-30 individuals, but conservation efforts have helped stabilize the population to an estimated 120-230 adults and subadults today.
California’s puma population is notable for its conservation efforts, including a ban on legal hunting since 1972. These efforts aim to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and preserve habitats within the state. In Colorado, the large population benefits from extensive areas of high-quality habitat, particularly west of the Continental Divide, where accessibility is limited.
Habitat Preferences and Influencing Factors
Pumas thrive in a wide variety of environments, from montane coniferous forests to grasslands and dry brush country. They generally prefer habitats with dense vegetation, rocky terrain, and ample cover. Prey availability is a primary driver of their distribution, with their diet consisting mainly of large mammals like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Human development and urbanization significantly influence puma ranges. Habitat fragmentation, caused by expanding human settlements and infrastructure like roads, limits their movement and can lead to increased conflicts. Roads, in particular, pose a substantial danger, with vehicle collisions being a leading cause of mortality for pumas. Historically, extensive hunting and habitat destruction drastically reduced puma populations across North America, nearly eliminating them from the eastern U.S. with the exception of Florida. However, conservation initiatives and changing perceptions toward these predators have contributed to partial population recovery and expansion in some areas.