Mountain lions are the protectors of ecological balance
Mountain lions (also known as cougars or pumas) are apex predators and keystone species that help regulate prey populations and maintain healthy ecosystems. By controlling deer and elk numbers, they prevent overgrazing, which protects native vegetation, reduces erosion, and supports biodiversity across Colorado’s landscapes.
Their presence creates a ripple effect—benefiting everything from songbirds to soil health. In addition to habitat loss and land fragmentation, mountain lions face relentless persecution due to human fear-based management and trophy hunting.
They maximize the health of the ecosystems they inhabit
Mountain lions, as keystone species, keep deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and black bears on the move, preventing them from over-browsing sensitive vegetation near streams and wetlands. This protects riparian zones—critical areas that stabilize riverbanks, filter water, and provide habitat for many species, including other mammals, amphibians, birds, and pollinators.
Mountain lions support biodiversity, and many other species rely on their presence.
When mountain lions make a kill, they feed more than just themselves. Their leftovers sustain a wide range of scavengers—foxes, coyotes, eagles, bears, beetles, and even fungi and microbes. This ripple effect strengthens the entire ecosystem, from top predators to decomposers.
By thinning overpopulated herds, they help prevent the spread of diseases
Mountain lions, like many apex predators, conserve energy by targeting the most vulnerable prey—typically animals that are sick, weak, or elderly. This selective hunting behavior helps remove diseased individuals from deer and elk herds, reducing the risk of outbreaks like chronic wasting disease. In doing so, mountain lions promote stronger, more resilient wildlife populations and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.
They enrich the soil and support plant growth
Carrion left behind by mountain lions decomposes into the soil, returning vital nutrients that fuel plant growth and microbial life. This natural recycling process enhances soil fertility and supports the base of the food chain.
Mountain lions act as an umbrella species
Protecting enough habitat for mountain lions means protecting entire ecosystems. Their large home ranges overlap with countless other species, so conserving land for them safeguards biodiversity on a broad scale.
Mountain lions actively avoid humans—and we’re not on the menu
Despite their reputation, mountain lions are shy, solitary animals that go out of their way to avoid people. A person is over 1,000 times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion. They prefer to hunt deer, elk, and smaller mammals—not people—and most sightings never result in conflict.
Ways to help:
Despite their ecological importance, mountain lions are often misunderstood and persecuted. In Colorado, they are still hunted and killed under policies that ignore their role in ecosystem health.
- Advocate for science-based wildlife policies
- Support wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity
- Oppose trophy hunting and lethal removal programs
- Educate others about the ecological role of mountain lions
- Volunteer or donate to mountain lion conservation efforts
Ways to help:
Prairie dogs need our help to change public attitudes after a century of misconceptions and habitat destruction. We need to change laws regarding the
status of prairie dogs and protect their colonies.
- Protect their habitat & colonies
- Advocate for coexistence
- Buy land with prairie dogs on it
- Educate others on their value
- Donate to charities supporting PDs
Check out these information sources:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/mountain-lions-are-keystone-species.htm
https://ecoadapt.org/data/documents/EcoAdapt_GGBN_Vuln-AdaptBrief_MountainLion_FINAL_Aug2024.pdf
https://projectcoyote.org/act/learning-hub/mountain-lion-profile/
Keywords to use in Social posts:
#ColoradoWildlife #GrasslandsColorado #KeystoneSpecies #MountainLionsMatter #EcosystemGuardians #PredatorsForBalance #HabitatConnectivity #ProtectWildCorridors #RewildColorado #RewildtheWest #Biodiversity #NativeHabitat #NatureNeedsPumas #CoexistwithCougars