By Josh Rosenau, Director of Policy and Advocacy

Last week’s election was predicted to be, and will likely prove, among the most consequential in US history. Beyond the presidential election, voters made choices about control of Congress, eleven states chose governors, state legislatures changed hands, and voters considered ballot initiatives that set state and local policies on matters like climate change, housing development and habitat protection, and — of course – mountain lion hunting.

Colorado’s Proposition 127 was a historic effort to extend the protections mountain lions have enjoyed in California since that state’s proposition 117 (and an earlier legislative moratorium signed by then-Governor Ronald Reagan). Hunters, the gun industry, and ultimately a range of politically conservative political action committees invested heavily in opposing that initiative, while Cat’s Aren’t Trophies, the Mountain Lion Foundation, our members and our many dedicated allies worked tirelessly to support it. In the end, voters declined to end trophy hunting for wild cats in Colorado, with 55% voting against the initiative.

In Florida, voters approved a constitutional amendment that enshrines a right to hunt in the state constitution, with 67% voting in favor, well above the required 60% threshold. 23 other states have adopted an amendment of this sort, though the precise details vary. Utah’s Right to Hunt Amendment is the central basis for the lawsuit by the Mountain Lion Foundation and our partners challenging the state’s elimination of hunting limits on mountain lions. These amendments have also been used by wolf advocates in other states to challenge excessive hunting. Florida’s amendment requires, among other things, that “fishing, hunting, and the taking of fish and wildlife” should be the “preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.”

Other ballot measures in the states expanded and protected environmental policy. Washington voters shrugged off a referendum that would have eliminated the state’s carbon tax trading program, which aims to reduce climate pollution by 95% by 2050. In California, voters approved $10 billion in bonds to fund parks, environmental protections, clean energy programs, and water infrastructure. Unfortunately, voters in South Dakota declined to adopt limits on carbon dioxide pipelines, allowing the associated climate pollution to continue.

Voters in Washington state maintained strong pro-wildlife leadership. Outgoing Governor Jay Inslee’s appointees to the state’s Fish and Wildlife Commission have been instrumental in changing that body and making the state a leader in wildlife governance reform. He opted not to run for re-election, and the state’s Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, will replace him. Ferguson has been a vigorous defender of wildlife and the environment, and we are hopeful that he will continue the state’s progress on wildlife policy. Several state legislators who had been leaders on wildlife policy have left the legislature, and we will work to see strong leadership of key committees, and to educate them about issues affecting cougars. Washington also elected a new Commissioner of Public Lands to administer the state’s forests and waters. The winner, Dave Upthegrove, has been a champion for managing the Evergreen State’s forests for the benefit of wilderness not just timber companies.

Races for state office in other states produced little change. Utah’s Governor Cox was re-elected even after signing a law opposed by wildlife groups and hunters, which eliminated limits on mountain lion hunting. Montana’s Greg Gianforte was re-elected despite media reports of his having illegally killed a collared wolf, and his proud display of a cougar he killed with a legal license.

In Nevada, hopes for a legislative majority large enough to overcome the state’s Republican governor appeared to fall short by a single seat. Efforts to address wildlife killing contests and needless deaths and maiming of cougars in traps set for other species have been caught in the Silver State’s partisan crossfire. Wyoming voters installed an ultra-conservative governing majority in the state’s House, making it less likely that wildlife advocates will be able to address loopholes that left no way to prosecute a hunter who ran over a wolf with a snowmobile, dragged it to a bar where he tortured it before finally killing it.

Local voters across the country  voted to fund public transit. Roads create critical risks to mountain lions, both from loss of connectivity between habitat patches and from direct mortality from car strikes. Increasing public transit rather than road construction is a key element of mountain lion conservation, and these moves away from cars will benefit not just mountain lion survival in areas like Maricopa County, AZ, or Denver, CO, but maintain the paths that mountain lions will one day use to return to areas like Richland County, SC or Nashville, TN.

The presidential election is also likely to have significant effects on wildlife policy, though most direct management of mountain lions falls to state policymakers. President-elect Trump has proposed substantial revisions or outright repeal of the Endangered Species Act, which protects the few remaining Florida panthers. In addition, the conservative agenda Project 2025 proposes eliminating federal scientists who specialize in endangered species and their recovery, which could affect the survival of those last eastern panthers. And it proposes undoing the Antiquities Act, which protects wildlife and cultural resources in National Monuments. In his first term, Trump dismantled key climate provisions, including international treaties and federal offices that support energy efficiency and climate resilience. Some of those changes may require action by Congress, and partisan control of the US House remains unclear, though it is sure to be closely divided. Other changes may lead to litigation in the courts, and judicial appointments may flow more easily through the Senate under its new Republican leadership and under recent precedents that make it easier to overturn strong environmental regulations.

Undoubtedly, this election created setbacks for mountain lions and environmental policy. The Mountain Lion Foundation and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to our work, which is now even more critical. Regardless of the political winds, Americans need resilient communities that can live comfortably and safely near wildlife. We will continue to fight for the mountain lions that make our wild lands unique and vibrant.

By Paige Munson, Science and Policy Coordinator

I recently joined more than 2,000 attendees at the 31^st Annual Meeting of The Wildlife Society (TWS) in Baltimore, Maryland. The meeting offers wildlife biologists opportunities for professional development, time to connect with peers, a forum for sharing new and ongoing research, and a time to be inspired by the amazing stories of people in our field.

This time to share, collaborate, and connect is essential, addressing a need that goes beyond the academic to the emotional and social. As Aldo Leopold poignantly said: “One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.” These meetings represent some of the few moments where wildlife scientists and conservationists can come together and feel profoundly, albeit briefly, un-alone in their work.

Plenary session

The meeting kicked off with plenary addresses from three conservationists who have gone beyond their research to engage in the political and cultural arenas it affects—and to remind us that they aren’t that separate to begin with.

At the opening plenary session, we heard from Julie Robinson, deputy director of earth sciences at NASA about the work they are doing to create imagery and models of the Earth’s surface. Robinson emphasized that as exciting as this work is, its usefulness hinges on effective communication with the public.

Next to the stage was wildlife biologist, James Cummins, executive director of the NGO (nongovernmental organization) Wildlife Mississippi. He shared stories of his career and emphasized that his work in policy has been the most impactful part of his career. He reminded us that: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” If we can’t speak up for the wildlife we care about, no one will.

Finally, we heard from Jason Baldes, director of the Tribal Buffalo Program for the National Wildlife Federation. He shared the story of the reintroduction of bison to the Wind River Indian Reservation. To him and his community the return of bison was an ancestral food source brought back, the ecological restoration of their home, and also “bringing a long-lost relative home.”

The Wildlife Society’s Policy Workshop

Later I attended a TWS workshop to help scientists engage in the policy arena. There we heard stories from the CEO of TWS, Ed Arnett, and TWS staff member Kelly O’Connor about working in policy, and the challenges they faced. The challenges stem from a mix of problems: economic opposition, culture clashes, and the stifling of scientist voices.

The world is calling for the voices of scientists to help bring solutions to the problems of today. But when it comes to many topics, many scientists are unable to share their opinions due to their institutional affiliations or fear of retribution. Some scientists work towards policy by advocating within institutions, others utilize private emails to share their voice with NGOs and advocates who can use the information they share. Unfortunately, there is no one clear path for scientists to engage in policy. Some have the full ability to do so, but others are limited.

As of now, we can praise the scientists permitted to engage in policy and support the scientists who are unable or do not feel comfortable doing so.

Poster session

At the conference’s poster session, hundreds of presenters gathered to share their work. There I presented the Mountain Lion Foundation’s ongoing work to model habitat for mountain lions. Throughout the night people approached my poster and touched where their home was on the map. They would tell me stories about the mountain lions in their area. For the people who lived in areas where mountain lions were eradicated, many shared that they wished the mountain lions would come back. For some they wanted the ecological services that mountain lions can provide. But for others, their hope rested in wanting to experience a bit more of the wild and magic that comes with sharing your home with an animal like the mountain lion.

As a member of the Mountain Lion Foundation’s policy team, I was proud to see that scientists were galvanized to action towards the vast array of issues facing wildlife, including policy.  The Mountain Lion Foundation engages with policy at legislative levels, but also by participating in local government and state agency decision making regarding mountain lions. My time at TWS this year energized me about our work, sparked new ideas for approaching the issues surrounding mountain lions, and gave me the chance to meet new partners in our mission to ensure that mountain lions survive and flourish in the wild.

If you are someone who was closely watching the presidential election, today may be a difficult day for you, or it may be a day of celebration. Whatever your political leanings may be, I firmly believe that we can all agree on one thing: Our country’s beloved and important wildlife should not have to live their lives facing needless and ruthless persecution.

As you’ll likely remember, the Colorado-based members and volunteers of the Mountain Lion Foundation, along with our staff and Board of Directors, were “all in” on Prop 127 in Colorado, a ballot initiative that sought to protect Colorado’s mountain lions from trophy hunting. From knocking on doors to advocating on social media to helping pay for persuasive ads and staff time, we were there, working closely with Campaign Director Sam Miller and her team at Cats Aren’t Trophies. Unfortunately, in yesterday’s election, Prop 127 was not successful. Too many voters in Colorado were swayed by the opposition’s misleading and sometimes outright false messaging — and that opposition was incredibly well-funded by “dark money” PACs.

This was a big disappointment, but we are undaunted! The critically important work of the Mountain Lion Foundation continues in Colorado and across the country. I appreciate you, and I thank you for your support as a member of the Mountain Lion Foundation. The organization’s education, advocacy, and coexistence work is rooted in a deep partnership with our members, our volunteers, and the partnering organizations in our various coalitions. Let us all commit to learning what we can from this, and to using those lessons to strengthen our efforts moving forward.

Personally speaking, a setback like this tends to fire me up. It makes me mad and energizes me, and I’m ready to go roaring into the future: We’re going to knock it out of the park in the year ahead. Our mission — ensuring that mountain lions survive and flourish in the wild — is too important to do anything less.

Onward in 2025, for the lions!

R. Brent Lyles
Executive Director

Guest Blog by Chris Smith, Wildlife Program Director, WildEarth Guardians 

A few years ago, I was poring over trapping regulations in various Western U.S. states, wondering what state stoops the lowest in terms of facilitating the suffering of animals and allowing people to privatize and kill the public’s wildlife.  Nevada stood out, and not in a good way. No bag limits. No trapper education requirements. No mandatory reporting. And a 96-hour trap check window. 

 Yes, in Nevada, an animal can languish in a trap for up to 96 hours legally. The longest of any state in the West — longer than Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. 

 We want to change that. 

 Among the species who suffer from these archaic “regulations” are mountain lions — charismatic, secretive cats who are critical to ecosystem health even though we rarely get to see them. 

 Lions aren’t even supposed to be trapped in Nevada — they are a non-target species. But too often lions are caught, injured, maimed, and even killed. 

 On October 8th, WildEarth Guardians, the Mountain Lion Foundation, and the Nevada Wildlife Alliance submitted a petition to protect mountain lions from the unintended consequences of this cruel trapping practice. 

The petition outlines eight recommendations, all of which are not only common-sense adjustments to policy but also important protections for mountain lions: 

1. Shorten the amount of time between trap checks from 96 to 24 hours. 
2. Require the proper size of trap for the intended animal. 
3. Require swivels on traps so that it moves with the animal. 
4. Ban the use of drags which are weighted components connected to the trap that allow the animal to distance themselves from the trap but not escape. Drags usually prolong or increase suffering. 
5. Ban the use of multiple sets of traps placed near each other to decrease the likelihood of a mountain lion getting multiple limbs trapped at the same time.  
6. Require traps to be secured to the ground with a chain < 30 inches so that non-target animals like mountain lions would be able to pull free if caught. 
7. Require ongoing trapper education for anyone applying for a trapping license. 
8. Improve and increase the collection of data about non-target species. 

Nevadans, we need your help! Please send an email to Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners requesting that they accept our petition and rein in the trapping chaos across the state. If you are a resident (or know a resident), click here to send your letter! 

All pictures by Hunter Rook, Samantha Miller, and the Mountain Lion Foundation

In late September, the Mountain Lion Foundation conducted a coexistence project at a working alpaca ranch in the mountains of Colorado, along with two educational presentations to the public. 

The alpaca ranch, located near Granby, Colorado, had suffered from two confirmed mountain lion depredations, and the ranchers were looking for assistance in keeping their livestock as safe as possible. We had conducted an initial site visit over the summer, and this was followed by a conversation with the ranchers and an in-depth site assessment when we arrived in September. The assessment and our on-site work were led by Gowan Batist, an active sheep rancher and the Mountain Lion Foundation’s Coexistence Programs Manager.  

We identified several areas to address, and a key task was repairing fences that had been damaged by fires. The fence repairs were important for the alpacas, but they were perhaps even more important for the ranchers’ three livestock guardian dogs — with more secure fencing, the dogs could be kept in the livestock pens with the alpacas and help keep them safe. Working alongside staff and volunteers from the Cats Aren’t Trophies campaign, we also fixed and upgraded additional fence sections that were in need of repair.  

Successful coexistence is about the physical structures and layout of a ranch, and it’s also about behaviors such as animal-husbandry practices. Accordingly, based on conversations with the ranchers and the site assessment, we made a number of recommendations to the ranchers to adjust their husbandry practices. These included bringing their livestock into a lion-proof structure at night and changing their training and care protocols for their livestock guardian dogs. We also recommended utilizing deterrent devices that scare lions off with sudden lights and loud noises. Finally, we reached out to nearby community members who could potentially support the ranchers in implementing these changes.  

The following day, Gowan offered a public presentation in nearby Winter Park, Colorado, focused specifically on these and other coexistence practices that livestock owners in that community can implement to keep both their livestock and the local lions as safe as possible.  

A few days later, the Mountain Lion Foundation’s Executive Director, Brent Lyles, delivered another presentation about mountain lions in Denver. With the lovely setting of Gallery 6 in downtown Denver as a backdrop, and with a guest appearance by the First Gentleman of Colorado, Marlon Reis, Brent discussed mountain lion biology and behavior, the history of lions in Colorado, and the expected impacts of climate change on mountain lion populations.  

At his presentation, Brent also discussed the trophy hunting of mountain lions, which was top-of-mind for many of the guests because an initiative to end lion trophy hunting is on the ballot in Colorado. (For more information about Prop 127 and the Cats Aren’t Trophies campaign, click here.)  

In the coming months and years, Coloradans will adjust to their likely new reality — a reality without the needless and ruthless trophy hunting of their mountain lion neighbors. The Mountain Lion Foundation looks forward to serving as a key resource for Coloradans, offering tools and information about peaceful coexistence with these critically important animals.  

Halloween is weeks away, and the year-end holidays are right around the corner. What’s the best part about the holidays? The Mountain Lion Foundation Annual Calendar, of course!

This year’s calendar features incredible new images from some of our favorite wildlife conservation photographers, including Sebastian Kennerknecht’s stunning cover shot of a regal mother lion resting on a rock in Patagonia. We’re also excited about work from photographers new to the calendar like Alycia Renee, who captured a fleeting moment with a beautiful cat at dusk in the forests of Washington.

Photography, and the arts in general, are critical yet underappreciated components of wildlife advocacy, education, and ultimately, coexistence. Pictures, whether captured by camera trap or telescopic lens, provide us with a privileged glimpse into the lives of animals as they experience the world. Photography prompts empathy, and empathy is the foundation for tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence with both animals and people who are different from us. 

For the elusive mountain lion especially, photography is the only way that many of us will ever experience this wild cat. We are grateful for the photographers who have devoted their lives to sharing their experience of mountain lions with us and for using their art to help us all learn to thrive as neighbors with wildlife. 

Please consider making a donation to the Mountain Lion Foundation to support our advocacy, education, and coexistence programming. Help save America’s lion! Everyone who donates $35 or more will receive a 2025 Mountain Lion Foundation Calendar. 

Get the 2025 calendar

The Mountain Lion Foundation team is delighted to welcome (back) Sharon Negri, the Foundation’s co-founder and first Executive Director. As Executive Director, Sharon helped lead a coalition to pass California Proposition 117 in 1990, which banned trophy hunting of mountain lions and allocated $30 million a year for 30 years to critical wildlife habitat. To this day, California is the only state where the recreational hunting of mountain lions is illegal at the state level. 

In her new capacity as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Sharon works with the Executive Director to identify and develop new opportunities to advance the Mountain Lion Foundation’s mission and work. These projects and partnerships focus on the organization’s three primary program areas — education, advocacy, and coexistence.  

“I am thrilled to work with such a dedicated and passionate team to enhance our efforts in protecting and conserving mountain lions.”

In her spare time, Sharon continues to direct WildFutures, where she provides consultation to government agencies and organizations and develops essential tools and trainings to advance protections for mountain lions and other large carnivores.

Among Sharon’s published works are Cougar Management Guidelines (2005); Cougar Ecology and Conservation (2009), with renowned cougar biologist Maurice Hornocker; and numerous reports and papers for foundations, agencies, and conservation organizations. She produced the films The Secret Life of Mountain Lions (2016) and La vida secreta de los pumas (2017), and she co-produced the award-winning film On Nature’s Terms (2001) and television public service announcements on mountain lion and bear awareness and safety. 

We are excited that Sharon has returned to the organization to help us expand our advocacy, education, and coexistence programming for mountain lions and those living with lions across the country. 

Tom Forks is a Mountain Lion Foundation Coexistence Ambassador who lives in Mississippi, a state without a breeding population of cougars. We recently sat down with him to ask about sentiment towards mountain lions in eastern states and what makes eastern advocates some of the strongest voices for mountain lions. 

Q: Mountain lions were extirpated from Mississippi more than a century ago. While dispersing males might occasionally walk through your state, cougars haven’t called Mississippi home for quite a while. What got you interested in mountain lions? 

A: My father was a career Army officer and was often deployed. To pass the time and keep me out of trouble, my sister Cathy encouraged reading which led to a love of learning. My mom also encouraged my reading and always let me pick 5 or 6 books from the scholastic book club. I can still remember how excited I was to peruse the titles offered for sale. During my high school days, I discovered wonderful library books by Earnest Hemingway, Theodore Roosevelt, Jane Goodall and other authors and a series of books on hunting in Africa by Peter Hathaway Capstick which had a huge impact on my future education. I eagerly read each of his works, which led me to dream of becoming a game warden in Africa working with the “Big Cats.” 

So, my interest in conservation in general and felines specifically started in high school. As life unfolded, I eventually studied biology in college, married my wife, and raised my son who is now grown with his own family. Although I still work, I now have more time to devote to my lifelong interests. Not too many years ago, on a camping trip to South Texas I stopped at a small grocery store on Highway 90 in southwest Texas to purchase soft drinks and ice. Pinned on the walls throughout the store were six or seven different photographs of a man posed with a lion he had shot at the behest of local ranchers near Big Bend, Texas. 

 When discussing the photographs with the proprietor, he nonchalantly said “that’s nothing.” He relayed that his brother had killed more than 140 lions over the preceding 10 years. That was a pivotal moment in my interest in mountain lion conservation! How a lion population with relatively low fecundity and high kitten mortality could sustain such a slaughter was beyond my comprehension. I think of that conversation quite frequently with great sadness. A few years ago, I learned of the Mountain Lion Foundation, and I proudly support their mission and mountain lion conservation. I am very proud to be a Mountain Lion Foundation Coexistence Ambassador. 

Q: It would be ecologically beneficial for mountain lions to return to the eastern part of the United States. Do you think that your fellow Mississippians would welcome that return? 

A: Mississippi is predominantly a rural state. We have 6 National Forests and over 19,250,000 acres (about the area of South Carolina) of forested land spread between public and private land owners. Our human population is approximately 2.9 million. We have over 1.75 million whitetail deer in Mississippi: the highest number of whitetail deer per acre in the country and second only to Texas in total number of white tail deer. 

At my recent tabling event in Jackson, Mississippi I was very encouraged by the positive comments I received regarding the Mountain Lion Foundation. People were very supportive of the Mountain Lion Foundation’s mission. The response I received from attendees, albeit unscientific, certainly indicates a very healthy interest in mountain lions and I have no doubt most Mississippians would welcome their presence and would encourage the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to attempt to establish a breeding population of lions in Mississippi. As an aside, we now have, after years of absence, a population of about 200 black bears according to the Mississippi Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Parks. The bears are strictly protected. We can do the same for lions. 

Q: You table events in Mississippi for the Mountain Lion Foundation. What are the most common questions that people ask you as a cougar representative? 

A: Do we have mountain lions here in Mississippi, and what is the purpose of the Mountain Lion Foundation? 

Q: Earlier this summer (2024), Washington implemented new science-based rules to increase protections for their cougars. Colorado is poised to ban mountain lion trophy hunting in November. On the other hand, Utah continues to strip protections for their wild cats. And while Texas finally made canned hunts illegal this year, sport hunting of cougars remains unregulated. As someone who wants mountain lions to return to his state, what do you think about these legislative initiatives? 

A: I am thrilled that Colorado appears to be poised to ban the trophy hunting of cougars. I’m hoping that other states will take notice and do likewise. I am of the opinion that all states should ban trophy hunting of mountain lions. My view is that there should be a moratorium on all hunting until adequate studies have been published in peer reviewed journals detailing population dynamics to include: cat density, reproduction rates, survival numbers to reproductive status, numbers killed by rodenticides, automobile strikes, wolves, coyotes, other carnivores, disease and illness, and legal and/or illegal hunting by humans. In those states that adequately manage their lion populations and allow hunting: hunting with dogs is just plain unsportsmanlike and should not be allowed.

Q: Have you seen a mountain lion in the wild? What was that experience like?

A. Yes, I have had the rare pleasure of seeing a mountain lion in the wild. One very early morning (approximately 0200) while returning to San Antonio, Texas from a camping trip near Harlingen, Texas I saw a mountain lion walking into a field from the right side of the road. Our headlights illuminated the cat for about 5-6 seconds before it vanished but what an incredible sight. I’m grateful to have had one I’ll never forget. 

Q: Do you advocate for other wildlife that currently call Mississippi?

A: In addition to the Mountain Lion Foundation, I am a member of the Wildlife Society, Panthera, The Puma Fund, the Shark Research Institute, the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, Caretta Research Project, Ocean Conservancy, Coastal Conservation Association, The Rattlesnake Conservancy, The Asclepius Foundation and others. I am interested in these organizations, and I promote conservation and tolerance. I try to educate my fellow Mississippians about how important mountain lions, bobcats, sharks, snakes, turtles, etc., are to a healthy ecosystem. One of my very great concerns here in Mississippi is the use of rodenticides and their detrimental effects on pets and wildlife. I am also very concerned about the status of lynx in Mississippi, and I’m interested in an in-depth study of bobcat population dynamics. 

Q: What advice would you give to other lion advocates living in states without breeding populations? What can people do right now to support the return of wild cats in their part of the country? 

A: In those states without breeding populations of mountain lions I would suggest to advocate for the return of breeding populations to determine if:  

• there is an interest in the populace to reintroduce lions 
• the state has suitable habitat with wilderness corridors for dispersal 
• the state has the economic means to build wildlife bridges to cross busy highways to mitigate injuries and lion deaths from car collisions 
• the state has a suitable prey population for the lions to subsist on 
• the state legislature will work with you to help reintroduce lions to your state 
• the state’s wildlife agency is interested in helping you bring back lions.

 

In summary, the most effectual way to reintroduce lions in areas where they were extirpated is via science-based education and research, and a lot of hard work, patience, tolerance of opposing views and perseverance. Don’t give up, our lions need your help.