* Wide Range: Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are found across the Americas, from Canada to the southern tip of South America.
* Difficult to Count: They are solitary, elusive animals, making accurate population estimates extremely challenging.
* Varying Numbers: Their numbers fluctuate due to factors like habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and prey availability.
However, here's what we do know:
* Globally, they are not considered endangered. They are classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
* Population estimates vary widely. Different studies and organizations have estimated the global population at millions, but those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt.
* Some populations are struggling. Mountain lions face threats in certain areas, leading to local population declines.
Overall: While we don't have a precise count, mountain lions are still relatively widespread and abundant in many parts of their range. However, it's important to be aware of the threats they face and support conservation efforts.