California Designates Coastal Mountain Lions as 'Threatened'

State officials vote to permanently protect the charismatic predators that roam between the Bay Area and Mexico.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a move to safeguard the future of mountain lions in California, state officials have voted to designate populations of the big cats that prowl the coastal mountains between the Bay Area and the Mexican border as 'threatened'. This decision comes just weeks after a mountain lion was spotted wandering into San Francisco.

Why it matters

Mountain lions are one of the last remaining large predators in California's coastal ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining the natural balance. The 'threatened' designation aims to ensure the long-term survival of these charismatic animals amid ongoing habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts.

The details

The California Fish and Game Commission voted to list mountain lions as a 'threatened' species under the state's Endangered Species Act. This provides permanent legal protections for the big cats, restricting activities that could harm them or their habitats. The decision covers mountain lion populations found in the Santa Cruz Mountains and other coastal ranges.

  • The California Fish and Game Commission voted on the 'threatened' designation in February 2026.
  • Just weeks prior, a mountain lion was spotted wandering into San Francisco.

The players

California Fish and Game Commission

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting California's wildlife and natural resources.

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What’s next

The 'threatened' designation will now provide permanent legal protections for mountain lions in the affected coastal regions, restricting activities that could harm the big cats or their habitats.

The takeaway

The decision to list coastal mountain lions as 'threatened' underscores the ongoing challenges these apex predators face in California, and the need for comprehensive conservation efforts to ensure their long-term survival in the state's rapidly changing ecosystems.