Central Montana game wardens saw a rise in illegally taken mountain lions in 2025, with three hunters cited for buying licenses after killing lions. Fines totaled $3,605.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens reported a rise in illegally harvested mountain lions in central Montana in 2025, including hunters who shot lions first and only purchased hunting licenses afterward.

An Idaho outdoorsman looking for sheds got the surprise of a lifetime when he accidentally walked into a pair of mountain lions napping in the sun. The photos and video are a sharp reminder of how easily these predators disappear into the landscape.