Mountain Lion Overpopulation Ignored in Threatened Listing

Resident argues California's mountain lion population is already 3 times the state's capacity.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:40pm

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A bold, geometric abstract painting in earthy tones, with sweeping arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually visualizing the complex structural imbalance of the mountain lion population in the region.An abstract visual representation of the mathematical and ecological factors underlying the mountain lion overpopulation crisis in California.Morgan Hill Today

A Morgan Hill resident has written a letter to the editor criticizing the California Fish and Game Commission's recent decision to list mountain lions as a threatened species. The author argues that the commission is ignoring the current crisis of massive mountain lion overpopulation in the region, which is already leading to increased sightings, attacks, and conflicts with livestock and pets. The letter provides mathematical calculations showing the mountain lion population is 8 times over the carrying capacity of the Santa Cruz mountains, and that the state's total mountain lion population would require 3 times the total land area of California to be supported comfortably.

Why it matters

The mountain lion listing decision has confused many local residents who are dealing with the real-world impacts of an overpopulated mountain lion presence, including livestock losses, pet attacks, and dangerous encounters. The author argues the commission is focusing on hypothetical future disease risks rather than addressing the immediate crisis of too many mountain lions in too little space.

The details

The letter states that a single mountain lion requires a home range of at least 100 square miles, meaning the Santa Cruz mountains' 1,000 square miles could only sustainably support about 10 mountain lions. However, the current estimated population in the region is over 80 mountain lions, an 8 times overpopulation. Statewide, California's estimated 4,500 mountain lions would require 288 million acres of habitat, far exceeding the state's 100 million total acres. The author argues this overpopulation is already leading to increased conflicts, livestock losses, and dangerous encounters, which the threatened species listing does not address.

  • In February 2026, the California Fish and Game Commission officially listed mountain lions in the Morgan Hill region as threatened.

The players

California Fish and Game Commission

The state agency responsible for managing California's wildlife, including the recent decision to list mountain lions as a threatened species.

Phil Salgado

A resident of Morgan Hill, California who wrote a letter to the editor criticizing the mountain lion threatened species listing.

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What they’re saying

“Activists are basically telling us to turn the entire western coast into a mountain lion habitat. To understand this, we must use simple mathematics.”

— Phil Salgado, Morgan Hill Resident

“If we take the state's estimated 4,500 lions and give them the minimum 100 square miles, they would need 450,000 square miles to live comfortably and conflict free. That 450,000 square miles equals 288 million acres. California is about 100 million acres. It would take three Californias to support the current mountain lion population.”

— Phil Salgado, Morgan Hill Resident

What’s next

The California Fish and Game Commission will likely face continued pressure from local residents to address the immediate mountain lion overpopulation crisis, rather than focusing solely on hypothetical future disease risks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the disconnect between wildlife management policies focused on future threats versus the real-world impacts of unsustainable animal populations already straining local ecosystems and communities. Policymakers may need to reevaluate their approach to balancing conservation with practical realities on the ground.