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Cougar

Puma concolor

Mammal · family Felidae · order Carnivora

  1. G1
    Critically imperiled
  2. G2
    Imperiled
  3. G3
    Vulnerable
  4. G4
    Apparently secure
  5. G5
    Secure

NatureServe global rank G5: secure[2].

Updated October 30, 2026. Published by Humblebee.

Cougar
Photo: Carlos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Endangered Species Act
Not listed[1]
NatureServe global rank
G5 Secure[2]
Native in
22 states[3]
Longest recorded life
27 years[4]

The cougar, also called the mountain lion or puma, is a wild cat in the family Felidae[5][6]. NatureServe ranks it Secure, it is not listed under the US Endangered Species Act, and it is native to 22 US states and territories[2][1][3].

Conservation status

NatureServe ranks the cougar G5 (Secure) worldwide and N5 (Secure) in the United States[2][7]. The IUCN Red List category recorded by NatureServe is Least concern[8]. The cougar is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act[1], and CITES Appendix II means its international trade is controlled[9]. State ranks differ a lot, and some states such as Louisiana, Michigan and Oklahoma rank it much lower than the national rank[10].

Status Value
Endangered Species Act[1] Not listed
NatureServe global rank[2] G5 (Secure)
NatureServe US rank[7] N5 (Secure)
IUCN Red List (via NatureServe)[8] Least concern
CITES (international trade)[9] Appendix II
Total population (NatureServe estimate)[11] 10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals

Where Cougar lives

NatureServe lists the cougar as native in 22 US states and territories, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Washington and Wyoming[3]. It is ranked as gone or possibly gone from many other states, such as Alabama, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin[12]. A state rank shows where NatureServe records the cat, not a promise that you will see one there[10].

Alaska: not recordedAKMaine: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SHMEWisconsin: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXWIVermont: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SHVTNew Hampshire: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SHNHWashington: native, state rank S4WAIdaho: native, state rank S5IDMontana: native, state rank S5MTNorth Dakota: native, state rank S3NDMinnesota: native, state rank S3MNIllinois: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXILMichigan: native, state rank S1MINew York: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNYMassachusetts: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXMAOregon: native, state rank S4ORNevada: native, state rank S5NVWyoming: native, state rank S4WYSouth Dakota: native, state rank S2SDIowa: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXIAIndiana: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXINOhio: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXOHPennsylvania: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXPANew Jersey: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNJConnecticut: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SHCTRhode Island: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXRICalifornia: native, state rank SNRCAUtah: native, state rank S4UTColorado: native, state rank S4CONebraska: native, state rank S3NEMissouri: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXMOKentucky: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXKYWest Virginia: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SHWVVirginia: native, state rank SNRVAMaryland: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXMDDelaware: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXDEArizona: native, state rank S4AZNew Mexico: native, state rank S3NMKansas: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXB,SNRNKSArkansas: native, state rank SNAARTennessee: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXTNNorth Carolina: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXNCSouth Carolina: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXSCDistrict of Columbia: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXDCOklahoma: native, state rank S1OKLouisiana: native, state rank S1LAMississippi: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXMSAlabama: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SXALGeorgia: extirpated or possibly extirpated, state rank SHGAHawaii: not recordedHITexas: native, state rank S2TXFlorida: native, state rank S4FLPuerto Rico: not recordedPR
State presence as recorded by NatureServe[10].
Show state ranks (49 states)
StateRankMeaning
AlabamaSXPresumed Extirpated
ArizonaS4Apparently Secure
ArkansasSNANot Applicable
CaliforniaSNRNot Ranked
ColoradoS4Apparently Secure
ConnecticutSHPossibly Extirpated
DelawareSXPresumed Extirpated
District of ColumbiaSXPresumed Extirpated
FloridaS4Apparently Secure
GeorgiaSHPossibly Extirpated
IdahoS5Secure
IllinoisSXPresumed Extirpated
IndianaSXPresumed Extirpated
IowaSXPresumed Extirpated
KansasSXB,SNRNPresumed Extirpated (breeding), Not Ranked (nonbreeding)
KentuckySXPresumed Extirpated
LouisianaS1Critically Imperiled
MaineSHPossibly Extirpated
MarylandSXPresumed Extirpated
MassachusettsSXPresumed Extirpated
MichiganS1Critically Imperiled
MinnesotaS3Vulnerable
MississippiSXPresumed Extirpated
MissouriSXPresumed Extirpated
MontanaS5Secure
NebraskaS3Vulnerable
NevadaS5Secure
New HampshireSHPossibly Extirpated
New JerseySXPresumed Extirpated
New MexicoS3Vulnerable
New YorkSXPresumed Extirpated
North CarolinaSXPresumed Extirpated
North DakotaS3Vulnerable
OhioSXPresumed Extirpated
OklahomaS1Critically Imperiled
OregonS4Apparently Secure
PennsylvaniaSXPresumed Extirpated
Rhode IslandSXPresumed Extirpated
South CarolinaSXPresumed Extirpated
South DakotaS2Imperiled
TennesseeSXPresumed Extirpated
TexasS2Imperiled
UtahS4Apparently Secure
VermontSHPossibly Extirpated
VirginiaSNRNot Ranked
WashingtonS4Apparently Secure
West VirginiaSHPossibly Extirpated
WisconsinSXPresumed Extirpated
WyomingS4Apparently Secure

Habitat

NatureServe records cougars in hardwood, conifer and mixed forests and woodlands, shrubland and chaparral, desert, cliffs and riparian areas, which means land along streams and rivers[13]. Today the cat is mostly linked with mountains or remote places that people leave alone[14]. It can also use swamps and rough country with plenty of brush or trees for cover[14]. Mothers give birth in hidden spots among rocks or thick plants[14].

Habitat types recorded by NatureServe[13]

Size, diet and lifespan

The cougar is a carnivore, and its estimated diet is 100% warm-blooded vertebrates[15][16]. In many areas deer are its main food, but it also takes other mammals from mice and rabbits to bighorn sheep and livestock, and it hides leftover prey to eat later[17]. NatureServe gives a typical length of 274 cm (108 in) and a typical adult weight of 120 kg (265 lb)[18][19]. After a pregnancy of about 82 to 100 days, a mother has 1 to 6 young, usually 2 to 3, and they stay with her for 1 to 2 years[20]. The longest recorded lifespan is 27 years in captivity[4].

Trait Value
Typical length[18] 274 cm (108 in)
Typical adult weight[19] 120 kg (265 lb)
Longest recorded lifespan (AnAge)[4] 27 years (captivity)
Litter or clutch size[21] 2.5
Gestation or incubation[22] 92 days
Female maturity[23] 912 days (about 2.5 years)
Food habits[15] Carnivore
Active[24] nocturnal, crepuscular, diurnal
Migration[25] non-migrant, local migrant

Estimated diet composition (EltonTraits 1.0)[16]

  • 100% warm-blooded vertebrates

When to look for it

Cougars are active all year and at any hour, but they do most of their hunting at dawn and dusk, which is called crepuscular[26][27]. Near people, their activity peaks after sunset[26]. Some populations move between separate summer and winter areas while others stay in one area[28][25]. Most US records on GBIF fall in January, March and December, which shows when people report cougars, not how many there are[29].

January: 1,305 recordsJanFebruary: 973 recordsFebMarch: 991 recordsMarApril: 882 recordsAprMay: 781 recordsMayJune: 775 recordsJunJuly: 635 recordsJulAugust: 711 recordsAugSeptember: 746 recordsSepOctober: 831 recordsOctNovember: 825 recordsNovDecember: 1,011 recordsDec
US observation records on GBIF by month, all years. The three months with the most records are highlighted. Records show when people look and report, not how many animals there are[29].
Show records by month
MonthRecords
January1,305
February973
March991
April882
May781
June775
July635
August711
September746
October831
November825
December1,011

Where to see it

National Park Service species lists record Cougar as present in 84 park units[30]. Present means the park has a confirmed record, not that sightings are common.

And 60 more park units.

States with the most GBIF observation records: California, New Mexico, Nebraska, Florida, Arizona[31]. These counts follow where people look and report, not population size.

Safety around this animal

These tips are quoted in summary from official agencies. We add no advice of our own. Follow local rules and the agency pages linked below.

From National Park Service (Yellowstone)

  • In Yellowstone, the National Park Service asks visitors to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears, wolves and cougars.
  • If the animal moves closer, back away. Approaching wildlife close enough to disturb or displace it is illegal in the park.
  • Never feed wildlife. Use binoculars or a long camera lens instead of moving closer.

Source: National Park Service (Yellowstone)[32]

From National Park Service (Yellowstone)

  • Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from cougars and never walk toward one for a photo.
  • Stay in a group, pick up small children, make noise and keep bear spray ready.
  • Do not run and do not crouch to pick things up. Hold the cat's gaze and keep making noise to look dominant.

Source: National Park Service (Yellowstone)[33]

Questions people ask

Is the cougar endangered?
The cougar is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act[1]. NatureServe ranks it Secure worldwide and in the United States[2][7], though some states rank it much lower[10].
Where do cougars live in the US?
NatureServe lists cougars as native in 22 US states and territories, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Texas[3]. They are ranked as gone or possibly gone from many eastern and midwestern states such as New York and Ohio[12].
What do cougars eat?
Cougars are carnivores[15]. Deer are the main food in many areas, and they also eat other mammals of many sizes[17].
How big is a cougar?
NatureServe gives a typical length of 274 cm (108 in) and a typical adult weight of 120 kg (265 lb)[18][19].
How long do cougars live?
The oldest known cougar lived 27 years in captivity, which is a record and not a typical lifespan[4]. NatureServe notes that few likely live past 10 years in the wild[20].

Facts and sources

  1. Cougar is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act in USFWS ECOS data (checked 2026-10-30). USFWS ECOS
  2. NatureServe global conservation status rank for Cougar: G5 (Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  3. NatureServe lists Cougar as native in 22 US states and territories: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah,... NatureServe Explorer
  4. Maximum recorded lifespan in AnAge: 27 years in captivity. This is a record, not a typical lifespan. AnAge
  5. Cougar (Puma concolor) is a mammal in the family Felidae, order Carnivora. NatureServe Explorer
  6. Other English names listed by NatureServe for Cougar: Mountain Lion, Puma. NatureServe Explorer
  7. NatureServe national rank in the United States: N5 (Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  8. IUCN Red List category as recorded by NatureServe: Least concern. NatureServe Explorer
  9. CITES listing recorded by NatureServe: Appendix II (controls on international trade). NatureServe Explorer
  10. NatureServe state ranks for Cougar (map and table on this page). NatureServe Explorer
  11. NatureServe estimate of total adult population (global, as a range): 10,000 to >1,000,000 individuals. NatureServe Explorer
  12. NatureServe ranks Cougar as extirpated or possibly extirpated (SX or SH) in: Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, North... NatureServe Explorer
  13. Habitat types NatureServe records for Cougar: Forest - hardwood, Forest - conifer, Forest - mixed, Woodland - hardwood, Woodland - conifer, Woodland - mixed, Shrubland/chaparral, Desert, Cliff, Riparian. NatureServe Explorer
  14. NatureServe notes on habitat for Cougar. NatureServe Explorer
  15. Adult food habits recorded by NatureServe: Carnivore. NatureServe Explorer
  16. Estimated diet composition in EltonTraits 1.0: 100% warm-blooded vertebrates. EltonTraits 1.0
  17. NatureServe notes on food for Cougar. NatureServe Explorer
  18. Typical length recorded by NatureServe: 274 cm (108 in). NatureServe Explorer
  19. Typical adult weight recorded by NatureServe: 120 kg (265 lb). NatureServe Explorer
  20. NatureServe notes on reproduction for Cougar. NatureServe Explorer
  21. Typical litter or clutch size in AnAge: 2.5. AnAge
  22. Gestation or incubation period in AnAge: 92 days. AnAge
  23. Age at female sexual maturity in AnAge: 912 days (about 2.5 years). AnAge
  24. Activity time in EltonTraits 1.0: nocturnal, crepuscular, diurnal. EltonTraits 1.0
  25. NatureServe migration category for Cougar: non-migrant, local migrant (populations can differ). NatureServe Explorer
  26. NatureServe notes on phenology for Cougar. NatureServe Explorer
  27. Adult activity patterns recorded by NatureServe: Circadian, Crepuscular. NatureServe Explorer
  28. NatureServe notes on migration for Cougar. NatureServe Explorer
  29. GBIF observation records of Cougar in the US by month (chart on this page). GBIF
  30. NPSpecies park lists recording Cougar as present (list on this page). NPS NPSpecies
  31. US states with the most GBIF observation records of Cougar: California, New Mexico, Nebraska, Florida, Arizona. Record counts follow observer effort, not population size. GBIF
  32. Safety guidance from National Park Service (Yellowstone). National Park Service
  33. Safety guidance from National Park Service (Yellowstone). National Park Service

Status, range and habitat come from NatureServe Explorer (CC BY 4.0) and USFWS ECOS at the snapshot date. Listings change by federal rule. State lists are where NatureServe records the species, not a promise that you will see it there. Never name a place smaller than a state. GBIF and park records count observations and checklists. They show where and when people report the species, not how many animals live there.

NatureServe. 2026. NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: October 30, 2026). Licensed under CC BY 4.0; SpeciesFacts selected and summarized it.

Photo: Carlos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.