Contrary to popular belief the mountain lion is neither threatened, endangered, or at risk, and they are the most broadly distributed large mammal species in North America.
Mountain lion distribution extends from Southern Canada down through the entire Western United States and throughout South America. There is also small population of mountain lions in Florida. Of all species of wild felines, Mountain lions have the largest range.
In 2008, a mountain lion was shot by police on the north side of Chicago, Illinois. Less than one year later, a mountain lion was photographed by state wildlife biologists near Spooner, Wisconsin. Mountain lions have also been confirmed in Indiana and Connecticut.
The mountain lion is very adaptable and a generalist, for these reasons they can be found in all major habitat types, from mountains to deserts. Contrary to popular belief the mountain lion is neither threatened, endangered, or at risk, and they are the most broadly distributed large mammal species in North America. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) currently lists the mountain as a “least concern” species.
Mountain lion hunting is common in the Western United States and much of Canada. Hunting is permitted in every state from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, with the exception of California. Texas is the only state where mountain lions have no protection. They can be shot on sight regardless of the season.
Since California banned mountain lion hunting, there have been nearly twenty mountain lion attacks on people after just three from 1890 to 1985.