Puma Sightings

May 5, 2022

Question: Is there a way to report mountain lion sightings online?

Answer: The public can report mountain lion sightings to CDFW through its Wildlife Incident Reporting(opens in new tab) system. Public safety concerns should be reported to law enforcement, and if your wildlife encounter is an emergency call 911. There are also community organizations that track mountain lion sightings and offer community sightings maps.

Pumas are commonly referred to as mountain lions, but they are known by many names including cougar, panther and catamount. In California’s wild, they are different names for the same animal. Mountain lions live across much of California, including along urban-wildland interfaces where they hunt for deer and other animals. However, it’s rare to see a mountain lion because they are elusive creatures. If you do see a mountain lion or mountain lion cub, do not approach it or intervene. Remember that adult pumas, when out hunting prey, may leave offspring somewhere safe for up to days at a time.