Recent studies in other western states using the most up-to-date research methods place the average density level of a healthy lion population at 1.7 mountain lions per 100 square kilometers. Based on that figure, MLF estimates Wyoming could have as many as 2,000 adult lions.

Wyoming is home to a robust and stable population of mountain lions (also known as pumas or cougars) in 2026. Current estimates from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department suggest a population of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 adult lions. They are found throughout the state, particularly in mountainous and rugged terrain where their primary prey—deer and elk—are abundant. While the population is significant, mountain lions are notoriously elusive and solitary, meaning "sightings" are still relatively rare for the average hiker. In 2026, the state manages the population through a strictly regulated hunting season to maintain ecological balance and minimize human-wildlife conflict. Conservationists in 2026 emphasize "lion-aware" practices for outdoor enthusiasts, such as not hiking alone at dawn or dusk and keeping pets on leashes, as human encroachment into mountain lion habitats continues to be a point of discussion in Wyoming's environmental policy.