California may soon grant long-overdue protection to mountain lions (also called cougars) in the Central Coast and Southern California, as the Department of Fish and Wildlife has recommended listing them as Threatened under the state’s Endangered Species Act. This decision follows years of research showing that habitat loss, highways, and rodenticides are driving these populations toward collapse.

If approved by the California Fish and Game Commission, the listing would safeguard essential habitat, speed up wildlife crossing projects, and strengthen long-term conservation planning to ensure these iconic cats can survive and roam freely once again. Cougars are the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor’s top predator. We need them to maintain the suite of species in the hills.

The Commission will vote on February 11 or 12, 2026—and public support will be critical.

Call to Action

Option 1:
Email your comments to: fgc@fgc.ca.gov

• Subject/Reference: Agenda Item – Mountain Lions (Central Coast and Southern California) 
• Deadline: Before or on February 11, 2026 

Option 2:
Mail your comments to:
     California Fish and Game Commission
     P.O. Box 944209
     Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 

What to say (briefly) 

• Support listing the Central Coast and Southern California mountain lions as Threatened 
• Emphasize the importance of protecting critical habitat and wildlife connectivity 
• Urge the Commission to follow the best available science and CDFW’s recommendation