In the densely populated Bay Area, Midpen preserves provide both critical habitat for native mountain lions and other wildlife and nearby nature for people. An adult male mountain lion can have a home range of up to 350 square miles, so connected wildlife corridors are crucial to help these wide-ranging animals move through the landscape.
Midpen is working with the University of Santa Cruz Puma Project on a 5-year study to learn more about how mountain lions use open space lands frequently visited by people and to better understand factors that influence human-mountain lion interactions. This study will help us to develop a science-based management plan to help people and mountain lions safely coexist. Beginning this fall, some preserves may be closed for a few days on short notice so that this research may be conducted safely.