At a glance, the Mountain Lion Foundation:

• Defends mountain lions through science-based policy and advocacy

• Protects habitat and wildlife corridors essential for survival

• Educates communities about coexistence and safety

• Tracks emerging threats to mountain lions and wild places

• Supports research that informs smarter conservation decisions

• Builds a national network of advocates, partners, and supporters

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This work is made possible by people who choose to support mountain lions in different ways — from learning how to coexist, to speaking up for science-based policy, to contributing financially as donors and monthly Puma Protectors.

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A keystone species essential to healthy ecosystems

Mountain lions are keystone species. Their presence helps balance ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and keeps wild places healthy.

By naturally regulating prey populations, mountain lions play a critical role in maintaining resilient landscapes — from forests and grasslands to watersheds that people rely on every day.

When mountain lions thrive, ecosystems function more effectively, wildlife communities are more stable, and landscapes are better able to adapt to change. Protecting mountain lions isn’t just about one species — it’s about the health of the places we all depend on.

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Rooted in science, shaped by coexistence

Founded in 1986, the Mountain Lion Foundation emerged at a time when mountain lions were widely misunderstood and routinely targeted through fear-driven policies.

From the beginning, our work has focused on replacing myth with knowledge — grounding decisions about wildlife in science, ethics, and a commitment to coexistence. Over the decades, that approach has helped shift how mountain lions are studied, discussed, and protected across the country.

Today, the challenges facing mountain lions are more complex than ever — from habitat loss and fragmentation to increasing human–wildlife conflict. Our work continues to evolve, guided by the same core belief that has defined the Foundation since its earliest days: protecting mountain lions means protecting the integrity of the landscapes we all share.

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Focused where the need is greatest

Mountain lions range across much of the United States, and so does our work. We focus our efforts in regions where mountain lions face the greatest threats — while supporting coexistence and conservation nationwide.

Our approach balances place-based action with broader national impact. By working across landscapes, jurisdictions, and communities, we help ensure that conservation decisions reflect both local realities and long-term ecological needs.

From critical habitat and connectivity corridors to policy and public education, our work is shaped by where it can make the most difference — for mountain lions, ecosystems, and the people who share these places.

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Accountability at the core of our work

The Mountain Lion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to transparency, integrity, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.

Our work is guided by science, informed by experienced leadership, and strengthened through partnerships with researchers, conservation professionals, and communities. We believe trust is built through openness — by sharing how we operate, how decisions are made, and how support is used to advance our mission.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are accountable to our supporters, our partners, and the public — and we take that responsibility seriously in everything we do.

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