"California mountain lions from the Bay Area to the Mexican border are now officially protected under the state's endangered species act after a yearslong push by activists. The California Fish and Game Commission approved the protections on Thursday six years after wildlife advocates initially petitioned for the safeguards in 2019. Article continues below this ad The protections mark the first time ever that the state has recognized mountain lions (pumas) as a threatened species, the Center for Biological Diversity, a wildlife nonprofit organization,"
"The iconic carnivore that is native to California faces a host of threats in the modern world, including rat poison, disruptions to their habitat, vehicular strikes, wildfires and disease. After mountain lions were granted temporary protection by the commission in April 2020, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife formally recommended the protections in December 2025. The department handed the final vote off to the commission, which made these protections permanent following Thursday's vote."
"Under the state's endangered species act, it is now illegal to harm or kill the lions, and state officials must work to protect their habitat. The law could affect livestock owners who will face stricter rules on when they can engage with the animals, as well as building developers who will have to account for how construction projects could affect the vulnerable populations."
California mountain lions across several ranges are now protected under the state's endangered species act. The Fish and Game Commission approved protections six years after a 2019 petition and after temporary protections beginning in April 2020. The state formally recognized mountain lions (pumas) as a threatened species for the first time. The animals face threats from rat poison, habitat disruption, vehicular strikes, wildfires and disease. The designation makes it illegal to harm or kill the lions and requires habitat protection. Protections cover specific mountain ranges and may impose new rules for livestock owners and developers.
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