Western cougar populations have been increasing since the 1960s, largely due to increased legal protection for the cats and to the growth and expansion of prey populations. Dr. Maurice Hornocker, a prominent cougar expert, was quoted as saying "There may now be more mountain lions in the West than there were before European settlement."



The evidence that the Cougar Network has collected to date suggests that the species is beginning to re-colonize several of the adjacent prairie states, and possibly even some of the Midwestern and Southeastern states as well. The origin of cougars found further east is less clear. The impact of recently-enacted hunting seasons in some of the prairie states on future cougar range expansion is unclear and is potentially an area for future study.



We have developed a comprehensive database and the interactive map for you to explore these trends. The map will continually be updated with confirmations as we analyze them.