There are 174 recorded sightings of Mountain Lion in Montana, with 17 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in September through December.
When to See Mountain Lion in Montana
Most often reported in September through December.
| Month | Recorded Sightings | Peak Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | 23 | No |
| February | 16 | No |
| March | 13 | No |
| April | 10 | No |
| May | 8 | No |
| June | 0 | No |
| July | 7 | No |
| August | 0 | No |
| September | 44 | Yes |
| October | 7 | Yes |
| November | 16 | Yes |
| December | 12 | Yes |
Compared With Other Regions
Explore how Mountain Lion sightings in Montana compare to other North American hubs:
A large, tawny cat with a plain coat, a pale belly, a long thick tail with a dark tip and a small head. It has the widest range of any wild land mammal in the Americas, from the Yukon to the southern Andes, living in forests, mountains and deserts. It is solitary and secretive. Look for tracks showing four toes without claws, and for deer carcasses covered with debris.
Other Wildlife to Look for in Montana
Track Mountain Lion in Montana
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a Mountain Lion in Montana?
Mountain Lion is most often reported in Montana in September through December, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.
Where can I see a Mountain Lion in Montana?
There are 174 documented Mountain Lion records in Montana. Parks, refuges and protected areas with suitable habitat are the best places to start; the charts above show when it's reported most.
How can I find Mountain Lion sightings near me in Montana?
Use the WildMap app on iOS to see recent reports within 100 km from the past 7 days for free (WildMap Pro: 200 km and 30 days), and turn on alerts for sightings near you in Montana.