Welcome to the latest edition of America’s Lions Share, your monthly update on the stories, science, and people shaping the future of mountain lion conservation.
A leading voice for America’s Lion since 1986
A Letter from the Board Chair
In 2026, the Mountain Lion Foundation marks a milestone: forty years as one of the nation’s leading voices for America’s lion.
Since 1986, with your support, we have helped secure landmark protections, advanced science-based conservation, and reshaped how people across the country think about living alongside wildlife. That legacy belongs to the advocates, scientists, donors, volunteers, and partners who believed—often against long odds—that mountain lions deserve a future in the wild.
Today, that work is more urgent than ever. Habitat fragmentation, accelerating development, climate pressures, and political headwinds are placing unprecedented strain on mountain lion populations and the landscapes they depend on. Too often, fear-based narratives and outdated management approaches continue to drive policy—undermining solutions that can protect both people and wildlife.
As we enter our fifth decade, the Mountain Lion Foundation is focused on increasing our impact and reach. We will continue strong advocacy and legislative engagement at the state and national levels, working to ensure wildlife policy is grounded in sound science, ethical management, and long-term conservation outcomes. We are also committed to supporting and translating research to inform better decision-making and more effective conservation strategies.
At the same time, we recognize that conservation is as much about people as it is about wildlife. Equally central to our work is expanding coexistence programs that equip communities with practical, science-based tools to live safely alongside mountain lions—through clearer public-facing materials, strengthened education initiatives, and outreach that replaces fear with understanding. In partnership with other organizations, we are working to correct misinformation and elevate balanced, fact-based narratives about mountain lions and their role in healthy ecosystems.
Going forward, we will emphasize collaboration with state, federal, and local agencies to advance pragmatic conservation programs that prioritize both mountain lion conservation and public safety—recognizing that durable sustained solutions require partnership and trust.
This next chapter is supported by renewed leadership. With new staff leadership, an engaged board, and an expanded high-level advisory committee bringing scientific, policy, and regional expertise, the Foundation is strengthening its capacity to lead in an increasingly complex conservation landscape.
This anniversary year is not only a moment to honor the past, but a call to act with urgency and purpose. With your continued support, the Mountain Lion Foundation will build on forty years of leadership to ensure that America’s lion not only survives, but flourishes, for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
John Ziegler, MD, FASA
Chair, Board of Directors
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Monthly support gives mountain lions consistent protection when new threats arise. As a Puma Protector, your $5/month helps defend habitat, promote coexistence, and protect wild places for future generations.
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COEXISTENCE IN ACTION
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
| It was P22 Day, the year we had to do it remotely. I had been working on my book sales funding for the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. I was thinking of a trip to the bank to make a deposit when the news reported a mountain lion in a residential backyard in my city, Agoura Hills. I jumped in the car in the hopes of finding the location, and upon spotting a news van, I knew I’d tracked her down. I was invited into the yard, and immediately called one of the biologists studying our lions. He made it clear all people needed to be removed. It took two deputies to clear the yard and street. And after too long a time, the helicopter left as well. I was so excited that my body was shaking like a bowl of jello as I placed a call to Beth Pratt to share with her what was happening. This was P77 and several hours later she came down and returned to her territory. – Sherry Ferber |
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| Hiking San Gorgonio wilderness, saw mom and cubs. |
| – Pitown Pi |
Subscriber Stories and Photo/Video Submissions
TELL US YOUR WILD STORY
Do you have a mountain lion sighting, experience, or personal connection you’d like to share? We’re collecting stories from supporters to highlight in future newsletters and outreach. Click the link below to add your voice.
| Thank You! A heartfelt thank you to the exceptional team at US Bank’s Sammamish branch! During the Mountain Lion Foundation’s recent organizational restructuring, they went above and beyond to help us navigate complex account transitions and documentation requirements. Their dedication to customer service, even when working with a nonprofit based in another state, exemplifies the best of community banking partnerships. When institutions step up to support conservation organizations, everyone wins – especially the wildlife we work to protect. – Bob McCoy Board Member |
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Help Keep America’s Wild – Wild
| Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for standing with us — and for keeping it wild. |
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