California mountain lions receive landmark protections after San Francisco sighting

The California Fish and Game Commission approved threatened-species protections for mountain lions across multiple coastal and mountain ranges, making it illegal to harm them and requiring habitat safeguards. The move follows a 2019 petition by conservation groups and a formal recommendation from the Department of Fish and Wildlife in December 2025.

California has granted legal protections to mountain lions in several parts of the state under its endangered species act. The Fish and Game Commission approved the designation on Thursday and made temporary protections permanent. The decision follows a 2019 petition by conservation groups and a December 2025 recommendation from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Advocates and researchers have pointed to habitat loss, roads and other threats as drivers of population isolation. Key facts: - The commission's vote makes this the first time the state has listed mountain lions (pumas) as a threatened species, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. - Under the law it is illegal to harm or kill the protected mountain lions and state officials are required to work to protect their habitat. - The protections apply to populations in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, Santa Ana Mountains and Eastern Peninsular ranges. - The timeline includes a 2019 petition, temporary protections granted in April 2020, and a formal recommendation from the Department of Fish and Wildlife in December 2025 before the commission's final vote. - Conservation groups and researchers cite threats such as rat poison, habitat fragmentation from roads and development, vehicle strikes, wildfires and disease, and they have expressed concern about low genetic diversity in isolated populations. - A young male mountain lion that moved from the Santa Cruz Mountains into San Francisco in January was cited as an example of how isolated populations may roam in search of mates. Summary: The protections make harming or killing these mountain lions illegal and require state action to protect their habitat, which could influence development and livestock management in the listed ranges. Undetermined at this time.