Types of Mountain Lion in Wyoming
While Wyoming has only one species of mountain lion (Puma concolor), you'll spot slight variations in coat color from tawny to gray. Males are larger than females. The key to identification lies in tracks, size, and behavior. Start your search in the rugged mountain ranges and canyon country.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
Wyoming has one established type of mountain lion: the Mountain Lion. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
While Wyoming has only one species of mountain lion (Puma concolor), you'll spot slight variations in coat color from tawny to gray. Males are larger than females. The key to identification lies in tracks, size, and behavior. Start your search in the rugged mountain ranges and canyon country.
1. What are the different types of mountain lions in Wyoming?
Mountain lions in Wyoming are all the same species, *Puma concolor*. There are no subspecies here, but you will see color variations from pale tawny to reddish or grayish. Melanistic (black) mountain lions are extremely rare and not confirmed in Wyoming. The main differences you'll notice are between males and females: males average 140 pounds, females around 100 pounds.
2. How can you tell a male from a female mountain lion?
Size is the easiest clue. Mature males are noticeably larger, with a heavier build and a wider head. Females are sleeker and more slender. If you see tracks, male forepaw prints are wider and longer. In the field, look for a cat that is alone (most are solitary). Females with cubs are the only ones you might see in small groups, and she will be protective.
3. Where are mountain lions most commonly found in Wyoming?
Your best odds are in the western mountain ranges: the Absarokas, Wind River Range, and Teton area. They favor steep, rocky terrain with plenty of deer. The Bighorn Mountains and Laramie Range also have stable populations. Check themountain lion habitats in Wyomingfor detailed maps. Riparian corridors and canyon bottoms are prime spots during dawn and dusk.
4. When is the best time to spot mountain lions in Wyoming?
Dawn and dusk are the most active times, especially from late fall through early spring when snow helps track them. Winter is ideal because their tracks are visible in fresh snow. I've had my best luck in December and January following deer herds. Summer sightings are rarer, as they are more nocturnal and stay in higher elevations.Learn more about Wyoming wildlife seasons.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. How do mountain lion tracks differ from other big cats?
Mountain lion tracks are round, 3 to 4 inches wide, with three distinct lobes at the heel and no claw marks (they retract their claws). Compare to bobcat tracks, which are smaller (about 2 inches) and have a more defined M-shaped heel pad. Coyote tracks show claws and are more oval. If you find a track, measure it and look for the characteristic heel lobes.
6. What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion?
Stay calm and do not run. Make yourself look big by raising your arms, open your jacket, and speak firmly. Maintain eye contact and slowly back away. If the cat shows aggression, throw sticks or rocks. Report all sightings to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.Read more on mountain lion safety.
7. Where to find mountain lion tracking resources and gear
After a day of scouting, I like to review my field notes and check identification tips at home. A good field guide helps, but so does having a visual reminder of the creature you're looking for. TheMountain Lion Watercolor Clipart Setis perfect for stickering your gear or printing reference cards. For apparel, theMountain Lion Classic T-ShirtandComfort Colors Mountain Lion Graphic T-Shirtlet you wear your interest. Browse allwildlife-themed shirtsfor more options.
8. What Easy Street Markets picks fit this page?
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
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 womenCheck Price and Availability
8. Frequently Asked Questions about mountain lion types in Wyoming
**Are there black mountain lions in Wyoming?** No documented cases. Melanistic individuals are a myth here. **How many mountain lions are in Wyoming?** Estimates around 2,000 to 3,000, but populations fluctuate with prey. **Do mountain lions in Wyoming look different from those in California?** Slightly; Wyoming cats tend to be heavier with thicker coats due to colder winters, but they are the same species. **Can I tell a mountain lion's age by its coat?** Not reliably, but juveniles have spots that fade around 6 months. Older adults may have scars or graying around the muzzle.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for mountain lion (Cougar, Puma concolor), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Wyoming | 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 are the different types of mountain lions in Wyoming?+
Mountain lions in Wyoming are all the same species, *Puma concolor*. There are no subspecies here, but you will see color variations from pale tawny to reddish or grayish. Melanistic (black) mountain lions are extremely rare and not confirmed in Wyoming. The main differences you'll notice are between males and females: males average 140 pounds, females around 100 pounds.
2. How can you tell a male from a female mountain lion?+
Size is the easiest clue. Mature males are noticeably larger, with a heavier build and a wider head. Females are sleeker and more slender. If you see tracks, male forepaw prints are wider and longer. In the field, look for a cat that is alone (most are solitary). Females with cubs are the only ones you might see in small groups, and she will be protective.
3. Where are mountain lions most commonly found in Wyoming?+
Your best odds are in the western mountain ranges: the Absarokas, Wind River Range, and Teton area. They favor steep, rocky terrain with plenty of deer. The Bighorn Mountains and Laramie Range also have stable populations. Check themountain lion habitats in Wyomingfor detailed maps. Riparian corridors and canyon bottoms are prime spots during dawn and dusk.
4. When is the best time to spot mountain lions in Wyoming?+
Dawn and dusk are the most active times, especially from late fall through early spring when snow helps track them. Winter is ideal because their tracks are visible in fresh snow. I've had my best luck in December and January following deer herds. Summer sightings are rarer, as they are more nocturnal and stay in higher elevations.Learn more about Wyoming wildlife seasons. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. How do mountain lion tracks differ from other big cats?+
Mountain lion tracks are round, 3 to 4 inches wide, with three distinct lobes at the heel and no claw marks (they retract their claws). Compare to bobcat tracks, which are smaller (about 2 inches) and have a more defined M-shaped heel pad. Coyote tracks show claws and are more oval. If you find a track, measure it and look for the characteristic heel lobes.
6. What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion?+
Stay calm and do not run. Make yourself look big by raising your arms, open your jacket, and speak firmly. Maintain eye contact and slowly back away. If the cat shows aggression, throw sticks or rocks. Report all sightings to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.Read more on mountain lion safety.
8. What Easy Street Markets picks fit this page?+
### 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 ### 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 womenCheck Price and Availability
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