The mountain lion, also known as the cougar or puma, is a large, native feline predator found across Texas. This highly adaptable carnivore has the widest distribution of any wild cat in the Western Hemisphere, though its presence is often subtle. As a solitary and reclusive animal, the mountain lion is rarely seen by humans. Understanding where these predators live and how they are managed provides necessary context for Texans and visitors sharing their environment.
Geographic Concentration and Habitat
The established, breeding population of mountain lions is overwhelmingly concentrated in the vast, rugged landscape of West Texas. This primary range is centered in the Trans-Pecos region, particularly within the mountainous areas of Big Bend National Park and the surrounding canyons. They thrive in this environment due to the cover provided by the rocky terrain, canyons, and escarpments, which offer ample opportunity for stalking their primary prey, deer.
Mountain lions also maintain a stable presence in the dense brushlands of South Texas, specifically within the Rio Grande Plains. This region provides thick, protective cover necessary for a solitary hunter, supporting healthy prey populations like javelina and wild hogs. A smaller, less dense population is found in portions of the Edwards Plateau, sometimes referred to as the western Hill Country, utilizing the hilly terrain and cedar breaks.
Population Status and Range Expansion
Estimating the exact number of mountain lions in Texas is difficult because of their secretive habits and the lack of statewide population monitoring efforts. Wildlife biologists suggest that the population in the core Trans-Pecos region remains stable, though specific density estimates can vary widely depending on the study area. One conservative estimate suggests a density of approximately 1.7 mountain lions per 100,000 acres in the West Texas population.
While established breeding populations are confined to the western and southern regions, evidence suggests that transient males regularly disperse across the state. These dispersing individuals, typically young males seeking a new home range, have been confirmed in areas like the Panhandle, the Gulf Coast, and parts of East Texas. Sightings in these peripheral areas are generally of a single, non-resident cat and do not indicate the presence of a permanent, reproducing population.
Regulatory Status and Management
Mountain lions in Texas are classified by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) as an unprotected nongame animal. This classification means the species has historically been subject to year-round hunting and trapping with no bag limits or required harvest reporting. Unlike many other states with resident mountain lion populations, Texas does not list the species as threatened or endangered.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved new regulations in May 2024, marking the first change to this policy in over 50 years. These rules prohibit “canned hunts,” where a mountain lion is trapped and then released for an easy kill. Additionally, a 36-hour trap check standard was implemented, requiring trappers to check live-capture traps within that timeframe.
Safety Protocols During Encounters
Encounters with mountain lions are uncommon because the cats generally avoid people. When traveling or recreating in known mountain lion territory, simple precautions minimize the chances of a negative interaction. Hikers and campers should secure food and garbage to avoid attracting the lion’s natural prey, and always supervise children and pets closely, especially at dawn and dusk when the cats are most active.
If a mountain lion encounter occurs, the most important rule is to never run, as this may trigger the cat’s predatory chase instinct. Instead, immediately face the animal, stand your ground, and make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket. Speak firmly and loudly while maintaining eye contact, and slowly back away without turning your back. If the mountain lion approaches or attacks, fight back aggressively with any available object to demonstrate that you are not prey.