Good news for California mountain lions, pumas, panthers, and catamounts! The California Department of Fish and Wildlife just announced that protections for mountain lion populations ranging from the Bay Area and the Central Coast to Southern California are warranted under the state’s Endangered Species Act. A final decision from the California Fish and Game Commission is expected in February. “This is wonderful news for pumas across Southern California and the Central Coast, who desperately need our help,” said Sofia Prado-Irwin, Ph.D., a staff scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “These majestic cats have suffered so much from habitat destruction and vehicle strikes, and it’s no wonder that state wildlife experts are calling for permanent protections. This is a chance to show how California prioritizes and protects the wildlife that makes this state such an amazing place to live.” Today’s announcement comes after the Center and Mountain Lion Foundation petitioned th...