Mountain Lions in Wyoming: Habitat, Timing, and Spotting Tips
Yes, mountain lions live in Wyoming, mostly in the western mountains and rugged badlands. The best odds to see one or find sign are in the Absaroka, Wind River, and Bighorn ranges. Start by looking for tracks and scratch piles on remote game trails rather than trying to see the cat itself.
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Yes, mountain lions live in Wyoming, mostly in the western mountains and rugged badlands. The best odds to see one or find sign are in the Absaroka, Wind River, and Bighorn ranges. Start by looking for tracks and scratch piles on remote game trails rather than trying to see the cat itself.
What habitats do mountain lions prefer in Wyoming?
Mountain lions in Wyoming are most likely found in rocky, mountainous terrain with dense cover. They favor coniferous forests, rimrock canyons, and steep slopes with plenty of deer and elk. In the eastern plains, they stick to river breaks and badlands. I've seen the most sign in the Shoshone National Forest around the Washakie Wilderness.
When is the best time to look for mountain lions in Wyoming?
Early morning and late evening are your best bets, especially between December and February when snow makes tracking easier. Mountain lions are crepuscular, so dawn and dusk offer the best odds. Summer can work, but heat pushes them into shade. I've had my best sightings in January after a fresh snow.
What is one practical clue for beginners to find mountain lion sign?
Start by looking for fresh tracks in mud or snow. Mountain lion prints are about 3 to 4 inches wide, rounder than a dog's, and show three distinct lobes at the heel pad. Also look for scratch piles where they cover kills, often with leaves or dirt mounded up. That is the easiest clue to find without seeing the animal.
How do mountain lion territories work in Wyoming?
Male mountain lions in Wyoming hold large territories of 50 to 150 square miles, while females range about half that. They are solitary and avoid each other except during breeding. Territories often overlap with deer and elk winter ranges. For more on their home ranges, check out themountain lion habitat pageson Easy Street Markets.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
Where have recent confirmed sightings been reported?
Wyoming Game and Fish tracks sightings and depredations. Recent confirmed reports come from the Bighorn Mountains, the Laramie Range near Wheatland, and the Green River Basin. TheWyoming wildlife pagelists recent activity. If you want to see one in person, the Bighorn National Forest offers the best odds.
What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion?
Stop, do not run. Face the lion, make yourself look big by raising your arms, and speak firmly. Back away slowly while keeping eye contact. Do not crouch or turn your back. Carry bear spray if you are hiking. For detailed safety tips, themountain lion identification guidecovers this.