Our work is grounded in science, shaped by policy, strengthened through people, and sustained by organizational resilience. Together, these approaches allow us to protect mountain lions today — and for generations to come.
Science is the foundation of effective mountain lion conservation. The Mountain Lion Foundation advances and shares the best available research on puma ecology—how lions live, move, and survive across landscapes shaped by human activity. By partnering with scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders, and agencies, we synthesize critical data on habitat connectivity, population health, and human–lion interactions, and make that knowledge accessible to decision-makers and the public. Credible science replaces fear and politics with facts—protecting both people and mountain lions.
We translate science into durable, ethical wildlife policy. The Mountain Lion Foundation advocates for coexistence-based management, challenges outdated and lethal practices, and builds coalitions to influence state and regional decision-making. Our policy work ensures that laws and management plans reflect ecological reality—not short-term pressure, misinformation, or fear. Because policy ultimately determines whether mountain lions are protected or killed, this work is essential to securing their future.
Mountain lions survive where people choose coexistence. We work with communities, ranchers, recreationists, educators, youth, and Indigenous partners to replace fear-based narratives with understanding and practical solutions. Through education, storytelling, and on-the-ground pilot projects, we help people live safely alongside wildlife. Lasting conservation only happens when people see mountain lions as part of their shared future—not a problem to eliminate.
Protecting mountain lions over the long term requires a strong, disciplined organization. We invest in expert staff, sustainable funding, transparent governance, and national reach to ensure our work is focused, credible, and built to last. As we expand beyond California, we remain grounded in impact—not growth for its own sake. Without organizational resilience, even the best science and ideas fail to translate into real-world protection.