On February 11 or 12, 2026, the California Fish and Game Commission will vote on a proposal to list the Central Coast and Southern California mountain lion populations—and their critical habitat—as Threatened under California law. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife supports this action. 

This vote represents a key milestone in a process that began in 2019, when the Mountain Lion Foundation and the Center for Biological Diversity jointly petitioned the Commission to protect these imperiled populations. As we shared in our December newsletter, these mountain lions face increasing threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and isolation—and science clearly shows that stronger protections are urgently needed. 

***For California residents (or send to family and friends in CA)***

Please submit a public comment urging the Commission to approve the listing and protect the habitat and wildlife corridors mountain lions need to survive. 

How to comment 

1. Email: fgc@fgc.ca.gov 

     Subject/Reference: Agenda Item – Mountain Lions (Central Coast and Southern California) 

     Deadline: Before or on February 11, 2026 

2. Mail to California Fish and Game Commission, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 

3. Deliver to California Fish and Game Commission, 715 P Street, 16th floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 (due to security measures at the building entrance it is best to call and confirm staff availability before traveling to the office) 

What to say (briefly) 

• Support listing the Central Coast and Southern California mountain lions as Threatened 
• Emphasize the importance of protecting critical habitat and wildlife connectivity 
• Urge the Commission to follow the best available science and CDFW’s recommendation