One of three wild felids native to Wyoming (the others being bobcats and mountain lions), Canada lynx are specially adapted to live in areas of heavy snowfall and are specifically adapted to hunt a few species of prey, the first being the snowshoe hare.

In 2026, the only "big cat" with a permanent, breeding population in Wyoming is the Mountain Lion (also known as the Cougar, Puma, or Panther). Wyoming’s mountain lion population is robust and found statewide, although they are exceptionally elusive and rarely seen by the average hiker. They are classified as a "Trophy Game Animal" and are meticulously monitored by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to ensure a healthy ecological balance with prey species like deer and elk. While not technically "big cats" (as they cannot roar), Bobcats are also prevalent across the state, identified by their smaller size and short, "bobbed" tails. There are occasional, unconfirmed reports of Lynx in the high-altitude mountain ranges, but they are considered extremely rare. While rumors of "Black Panthers" or "Jaguars" occasionally surface in local folklore, these species do not inhabit the Wyoming wilderness; if you see a large, tan cat with a long tail in the Tetons or the Bighorn Mountains, you can be almost certain you are looking at a Mountain Lion.