We are thrilled to report that after seven years of scientific study, the California Fish and Game Commission voted Thursday (February 12) to accept the staff’s recommendation to list the subspecies of cougar found in Southern California and along the Central Coast. It is now listed as “threatened” under the California Endangered Species Act. Cougars are struggling to survive due to habitat loss, fragmented habitat, vehicle collisions, poisoning, and more. This ruling requires all state agencies and project applicants in these areas to protect these six pockets of cougar populations. It may also increase funding for more wildlife crossings. Hills For Everyone (HFE) worked with many partners to save Coal Canyon along the 91 Freeway. This acquisition protected State Park’s first ever wildlife crossing in California. We did it for the mountain lion. We are delighted to start off the new year with this decision, which we hope helps save the mountain lion from local extinction.