Types of Mountain Lion in Washington
Washington is home to a single mountain lion species, *Puma concolor*, but individuals vary in size and color. This guide describes the typical physical traits, habitat preferences, and behaviors you can use to identify them in the wild. Start your search east of the Cascades or in remote forested areas for the best odds.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
Washington has one established type of mountain lion: the Mountain Lion. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
The wider family, source iNaturalist
Other the cat family in Washington
Only one kind of mountain lion lives in Washington, so the useful question is which related animals share the state. 2 other members of the cat family have a verified record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to see, or mix up with a mountain lion, are Bobcat and Canada Lynx. They are listed below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Washington is home to a single mountain lion species, *Puma concolor*, but individuals vary in size and color. This guide describes the typical physical traits, habitat preferences, and behaviors you can use to identify them in the wild. Start your search east of the Cascades or in remote forested areas for the best odds.
1. What is the only species of mountain lion found in Washington?
All mountain lions in Washington belong to the species *Puma concolor*. Unlike some states, there are no recognized subspecies here. However, individual cats vary in size from 100 to 180 pounds, with males larger than females. Fur color ranges from tan to reddish-brown, with lighter bellies and dark tips on the ears and tail.
2. How can you tell mountain lions apart by size and color?
Adult males typically weigh 110 – 180 pounds, females 90 – 110 pounds. Color is usually uniform, but kittens have spots that fade by 6 months. Look for a long, heavy tail (almost half the body length) with a black tip – this is the key field mark. No other Washington cat has such a long tail.
3. Where and when are mountain lions most often seen in Washington?
Mountain lions are most active at dawn and dusk. They prefer remote, rugged terrain with dense cover. East of the Cascades, the Okanogan and Colville regions offer consistent sightings. Westside cats stick to the Olympic Peninsula and the Cascade foothills. Winter snow can make tracking easier.
See ourMountain Lions typesfor the next step.
4. How do mountain lions in the east Cascades differ from those in the west?
Mountain lions on the east side of the Cascades tend to range in more open, arid landscapes where deer are abundant. Westside cats live in dense rainforest and often take smaller prey like black-tailed deer. There is no physical difference – habitat drives behavior and territory size.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What is the best way to identify a mountain lion track or sign?
Mountain lion tracks are round, about 3 – 4 inches wide, with three lobes at the heel pad and no claw marks. Their scat is segmented and often covered. Look for scrape marks on the ground or scratched trees near kill sites. These signs confirm local presence.
6. How can you separate a mountain lion from a bobcat in Washington?
Bobcats are much smaller (15 – 35 pounds), have short tails (4 – 6 inches), and tufted ears. Mountain lions have a long tail that reaches the ground. The black tip on a mountain lion's tail is a reliable field mark. See our guide onbobcat identificationfor more details.
7. What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion in Washington?
Stay calm and do not run. Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms. Speak firmly and back away slowly. Maintain eye contact. If attacked, fight back with rocks or sticks. Most Washington encounters are defensive; attacks are rare. For official safety tips, checkWashington wildlife resources.
8. Where can I learn more about mountain lion tracking in Washington?
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife provides local sighting reports and track guides. Their website lists management units and harvest data. You can also join regional tracking workshops. For a comprehensive look at mountain lion biology, visit ourmountain lion species hub.
9. What gear is useful for spotting mountain lions in Washington?
Good binoculars, a field notebook, and sturdy boots are essential. If you want to show your respect for Washington's top predator, consider a comfortable t-shirt. TheMountain Lion Classic T-Shirtis a solid choice. For more designs, browse ourwildlife shirts.
Mountain Lion Lion Classic T-Shirt
Standard fit with double-needle hems for durability. Solid colors are 100% preshrunk cotton, heather colors are cotton blend. Range of colors available, with the option to print on front or back. Size range S-3XL, suitable for men and women.Check Price and Availability
Moon Mouse Apparel Mountain Lion Unisex Adult Printed Cotton Crew T Shirt
Moon Mouse Apparel is back with hundreds of new designs on our classic unisex shirt! This Unisex essential fits like a well-loved favorite, featuring a crew neck, short sleeves and designed with superior combed and ring-spun cotton.Check Price and Availability
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Mountain Lion Watercolor Clipart Set of 4 - Commercial Use PNG Digital Downloads for Stickers, Mugs, and T-Shirts - Wilderness prints V1
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Mountain lion t-shirt
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for mountain lion (Cougar, Puma concolor), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Washington | S4 | Apparently Secure |
| Global (rangewide) | G5 | Secure |
NatureServe ranks run from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (secure). See our data methodology for how this is sourced.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the only species of mountain lion found in Washington?+
All mountain lions in Washington belong to the species *Puma concolor*. Unlike some states, there are no recognized subspecies here. However, individual cats vary in size from 100 to 180 pounds, with males larger than females. Fur color ranges from tan to reddish-brown, with lighter bellies and dark tips on the ears and tail.
2. How can you tell mountain lions apart by size and color?+
Adult males typically weigh 110 – 180 pounds, females 90 – 110 pounds. Color is usually uniform, but kittens have spots that fade by 6 months. Look for a long, heavy tail (almost half the body length) with a black tip – this is the key field mark. No other Washington cat has such a long tail.
3. Where and when are mountain lions most often seen in Washington?+
Mountain lions are most active at dawn and dusk. They prefer remote, rugged terrain with dense cover. East of the Cascades, the Okanogan and Colville regions offer consistent sightings. Westside cats stick to the Olympic Peninsula and the Cascade foothills. Winter snow can make tracking easier. See ourMountain Lions typesfor the next step.
4. How do mountain lions in the east Cascades differ from those in the west?+
Mountain lions on the east side of the Cascades tend to range in more open, arid landscapes where deer are abundant. Westside cats live in dense rainforest and often take smaller prey like black-tailed deer. There is no physical difference – habitat drives behavior and territory size. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What is the best way to identify a mountain lion track or sign?+
Mountain lion tracks are round, about 3 – 4 inches wide, with three lobes at the heel pad and no claw marks. Their scat is segmented and often covered. Look for scrape marks on the ground or scratched trees near kill sites. These signs confirm local presence.
6. How can you separate a mountain lion from a bobcat in Washington?+
Bobcats are much smaller (15 – 35 pounds), have short tails (4 – 6 inches), and tufted ears. Mountain lions have a long tail that reaches the ground. The black tip on a mountain lion's tail is a reliable field mark. See our guide onbobcat identificationfor more details.
7. What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion in Washington?+
Stay calm and do not run. Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms. Speak firmly and back away slowly. Maintain eye contact. If attacked, fight back with rocks or sticks. Most Washington encounters are defensive; attacks are rare. For official safety tips, checkWashington wildlife resources.
8. Where can I learn more about mountain lion tracking in Washington?+
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife provides local sighting reports and track guides. Their website lists management units and harvest data. You can also join regional tracking workshops. For a comprehensive look at mountain lion biology, visit ourmountain lion species hub.
9. What gear is useful for spotting mountain lions in Washington?+
Good binoculars, a field notebook, and sturdy boots are essential. If you want to show your respect for Washington's top predator, consider a comfortable t-shirt. TheMountain Lion Classic T-Shirtis a solid choice. For more designs, browse ourwildlife shirts. ### Mountain Lion Lion Classic T-Shirt Standard fit with double-needle hems for durability. Solid colors are 100% preshrunk cotton, heather colors are cotton blend. Range of colors available, with the option to print on front or back. Size range S-3XL, suitable for men and women.Check Price and Availability ### Moon Mouse Apparel Mountain Lion Unisex Adult Printed Cotton Crew T Shirt Moon Mouse Apparel is back with hundreds of new designs on our classic unisex shirt! This Unisex essential fits like a well-loved favorite, featuring a crew neck, short sleeves and designed with superior combed and ring-spun cotton.Check Price and Availability See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step. ### Mountain Lion Watercolor Clipart Set of 4 - Commercial Use PNG Digital Downloads for Stickers, Mugs, and T-Shirts - Wilderness prints V1 A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability ### Mountain lion t-shirt A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
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