Skip to Content

Top 10 States With The Most Cougar

Mountain lion on grass
Cougar lion on grass in texas park. Image via Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Generally known as cougars, but also as mountain lions or pumas, are elusive creatures – do you know which states have the most cougar? The United States is home to a significant population of these big cats, particularly in the western regions. Here we take a look at the top ten states with the highest cougar populations.

10. Wyoming

Firstly a portrait of beautiful puma (American cougar – mountain lion) in autumn forest, striking a pose. Image by Baranov_Evgenii via depositphotos.com

Wyoming has around 2,000 cougars. Moreover the state’s rugged terrain and vast wilderness areas provide an ideal habitat for these predators. Cougars here can often be found in the mountain ranges and forests.

9. Washington

cougar
Secondly, portrait of a cougar/mountain lion, striking a pose on a fallen tree – winter scene in the woods. Image via Depositphotos

Washington also hosts approximately 2,000 cougars. The state’s diverse landscapes, from the Cascade Range to dense forests, support a healthy cougar population. These big cats are a common sight in the state’s national parks and wilderness areas.

8. Idaho

Cougar
Thirdly an image of a cougar via Pexels.

Idaho, with its sprawling forests and mountainous regions, is home to about 2,000 cougars. Generally the state’s vast wilderness areas offer plenty of space for these solitary animals to hunt and thrive.

7. Nevada

mountain lion
Fourthly an image of a cougar via pexels.

Nevada has around 2,200 cougars. Generally the state’s arid deserts and mountainous regions provide a suitable habitat for these adaptable predators. Cougars in Nevada are often found in the more remote and rugged areas.

6. Oregon

Mountain lion
Cougars are incredibly skilled predators, capable of silently stalking and ambushing their prey with precision.

Image by Jean Paul via Pexels.

Oregon supports a cougar population of about 2,500. The state’s forests, mountains, and coastal areas offer diverse habitats for these big cats. Cougars are often sighted in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest.

5. New Mexico

A cougar sits under a tree for a rest. Image via depositphotos.

Evidently New Mexico, with its mix of deserts, mountains and forests, is home to roughly 3,000 cougars. Moreover the varied landscape provides ample prey and shelter, making it an ideal habitat for these animals.

4. Colorado

Cougar
Afterward a close up image of a cougar Image by Nicky Pe via Pexels

Colorado also has about 3,000 cougars. The state’s mountainous terrain and vast wilderness areas, including the Rockies, are perfect for these solitary predators. Cougars in Colorado are often found in remote areas away from human settlements.

3. California

cougar
Image via Pixabay

California has a significant cougar population, estimated at 4,000. The state’s diverse ecosystems, from coastal ranges to the Sierra Nevada, support a thriving population of these big cats. Cougars in California are often seen in state and national parks.

2. Montana

Mountain lion in Montana.

Image via Depositphotos

Montana is home to approximately 5,300 cougars. The state’s expansive wilderness areas and mountain ranges provide an excellent habitat for these elusive predators. Cougars in Montana are frequently found in remote and rugged terrains.

1. Texas

cougar vs. wolf
Puma down the trunk of a tree in the forest. Image via Depositphotos

Texas tops the list with around 5,607 cougars. The state’s vast size and varied landscapes, from deserts to forests, support the largest cougar population in the country. Cougars in Texas are most commonly found in the western and southern parts of the state.

Wrapping Up with the Top 10 States With The Most Cougar

Mountain lion
Image via Depositphotos

Lastly cougars are remarkable animals. Evidently the western United States provides some of the best habitats for them. From the mountains of Montana to the deserts of Texas, these states offer the space and resources cougars need to thrive. If you’re interested in observing these magnificent creatures, these ten states are the best places to start.

Next up ~

Join our Forum for free today!

Animal Forum
Click Here
Grizzly Bear Spotted Feet From Alaskan Campsite Top 10 States With The Most Cougar Top 10 States With The Most Moose Top 10 States With The Most Coyote Top 10 States With The Most Elk