Feature image by Collin Eckert

Thanks to the immense generosity of our donors, 2024 was a wonderful year to amplify support for mountain lions. The Mountain Lion Foundation is more motivated than ever to move this work forward in the new year. Here are our reasons for hope and causes for concern in 2025:

For as long as humans have lived in the Americas, they have lived alongside mountain lions. For much of that time, humanity’s goal has been to coexist as peacefully as possible, protecting humans and livestock and allowing mountain lions to exist peacefully where they live. Unfortunately, as recently as the early 20th century, mountain lions came to be viewed by many in the United States as vermin, and widespread extermination campaigns almost led to their extinction.  

Today, Americans who live in mountain lion country and state wildlife agencies charged with law enforcement, better recognize the ecological importance of these irreplaceable animals. With the help of our supporters, we continue to support and encourage those efforts, and we fight for the rights of mountain lions to live lives that are free from needless and ruthless persecution. Coexistence makes life better for people, for the domesticated animals who depend on us, and for wildlife. It allows mountain lions to behave as they have evolved to behave.  

We work in the field, in the courts, in state and town meetings, and in communities where mountain lions share our space.  We stand up to powerful political interests and join hands with communities. We will continue to strive to save this extraordinary animal.  Not just for posterity, but for THEM.  They have a right to exist and live their natural lives as part of our world, keeping it wholesome and in balance.  But they cannot do it alone, and neither can we.   

Thank you for being our partner in this struggle for our planet, our children and grandchildren, and for the lions. Onward in 2025!