California Grants Mountain Lions Threatened Species Status

New protections aim to boost genetic diversity and prevent extinction of big cats in the state

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The California Fish and Game Commission has voted to classify mountain lions in the Santa Cruz Mountains to Southern California as a threatened species under the state's Endangered Species Act. This designation will provide greater habitat protections for the big cats, whose populations have become genetically isolated due to development and fragmented landscapes, leading to inbreeding and birth defects in some cubs.

Why it matters

The decision to grant threatened species status to mountain lions in much of California reflects the state's commitment to preserving its iconic wildlife, even as development pressures continue. It aims to ensure the long-term survival of the big cats by improving their ability to move freely and find mates outside their immediate family groups.

The details

The new threatened species classification means developers will now have to conduct mitigation studies that could increase construction costs and timelines in areas where mountain lion habitat is present. Some builders and agricultural groups have expressed concerns about the potential impacts, but state officials say the new rules don't prevent them from intervening in rare conflicts between mountain lions, people, and livestock.

  • In 2023, the famous mountain lion known as P-22 died after being hit by a car in the Hollywood Hills.
  • On February 13, 2026, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to grant threatened species status to mountain lions in the Santa Cruz Mountains to Southern California.

The players

Beth Pratt

Regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation, who said the new protections will help mountain lions find mates outside their family groups and prevent further inbreeding.

Kirk Wilbur

A representative from the California Cattlemen's Association, who expressed concerns that the new protections could negatively impact farmers and ranchers whose livestock come into contact with mountain lions.

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What they’re saying

“To put it in layman's terms, they need to be able to get dates outside their family, and that's not what's happening now.”

— Beth Pratt, Regional executive director, National Wildlife Federation

“My concern is that additional protections for mountain lions might negatively impact farmers and ranchers whose livestock come into contact.”

— Kirk Wilbur, Representative, California Cattlemen's Association

What’s next

The state said the new classification doesn't prevent them from intervening in rare conflicts between mountain lions, people, and livestock.

The takeaway

This decision reflects California's commitment to preserving its iconic wildlife, even as development pressures continue. By granting threatened species status to mountain lions, the state aims to ensure the long-term survival of the big cats and improve their ability to move freely and find mates outside their immediate family groups.