Mountain Lions Spotted Around Lake Tahoe, But Population Remains Low

Experts say mountain lion numbers are down due to declining deer populations in the region

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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While mountain lions have been spotted more frequently around the Lake Tahoe area, thanks to the increased use of home security cameras, experts say the overall population of the big cats remains quite low. Biologists attribute the decline in mountain lions to a significant drop in the deer population in California, which is one of the mountain lion's primary prey. Despite the sightings, researchers estimate there are only around 7 mountain lions roaming the 70-square-mile area around Lake Tahoe.

Why it matters

Mountain lions are an important part of the Lake Tahoe ecosystem, helping to maintain a healthy balance of wildlife. Their declining numbers are a sign of broader environmental challenges in the region, including habitat loss and fragmentation due to human development. Understanding the mountain lion population is crucial for conservation efforts and ensuring coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The details

Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are native to North, Central, and South America. While they were once more numerous around Lake Tahoe, their populations have declined significantly due to factors like habitat loss, drought, and disease impacting their main prey - deer. Biologists estimate a dense mountain lion population would be around 10 adults per 100 square miles, whereas the Lake Tahoe area likely has only around 7 mountain lions roaming a 70-square-mile area. In comparison, the region has a higher density of bobcats, which feed on smaller prey like rabbits and squirrels.

  • Mountain lion populations around Lake Tahoe have seen long-term declines over the past several decades.

The players

Dr. Rick Hopkins

A conservation biologist and author who has spent decades studying mountain lions and teaching people how to coexist with them.

Tanya Diamond

A biologist working with the organization Pathways for Wildlife to study wildlife crossings and movements in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Ahiga Snyder

Tanya Diamond's partner at Pathways for Wildlife, studying wildlife crossings and movements in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

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What they’re saying

“It is more interesting for humans to see mountain lions, which have been in the landscape for a very long time.”

— Dr. Rick Hopkins, Conservation biologist and author (southtahoenow.com)

“I have been seeing all the videos people have been recording on their Ring devices at home. I think this might be a young dispersing individual who is trying to find a home range. This type of neighborhood activity is common in the Santa Cruz mountains, where we also do research, when a young mountain lion has to leave their mother's parental home range and establish their own.”

— Tanya Diamond, Biologist (southtahoenow.com)

What’s next

Pathways for Wildlife has received a $5 million grant to plan and build wildlife crossings on Pioneer Trail Road, US-50, and SR-89 Emerald Bay in the Lake Tahoe area. These crossings are intended to help funnel mountain lions and other wildlife into protected open spaces and away from neighborhoods.

The takeaway

The declining mountain lion population around Lake Tahoe is a concerning sign of broader environmental challenges in the region, including habitat loss and fragmentation due to human development. While mountain lion sightings may be increasing due to home security cameras, their overall numbers remain quite low. Conservation efforts, like building wildlife crossings, are crucial to help maintain a healthy balance of wildlife in the Lake Tahoe ecosystem.