California Bill Targets Rising Mountain Lion Encounters Across Northern California

A California bill aimed at reducing dangerous mountain lion encounters is gaining traction in Sacramento, clearing a key committee vote this week and moving closer to becoming law.

Senate Bill 1397, introduced by Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, passed through the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee with bipartisan support. The legislation focuses on non-lethal deterrence, increased research funding, and better coordination between local agencies, rather than targeting the animals themselves.

The push comes as mountain lion sightings across Northern California have become more frequent and more brazen. Wildlife experts and state data both point to a troubling pattern: the big cats are increasingly active during daylight hours and showing less fear of humans, livestock, and dogs. Sightings have been reported in suburban areas from Natomas to Citrus Heights in recent years.

Rural communities, though, face the greatest risk. El Dorado County has logged more than 200 incidents involving mountain lions and livestock, and the area was the site of a tragic 2024 attack in which two brothers were hiking when a mountain lion struck in broad daylight, killing 21-year-old Taylen Brooks and seriously injuring his 18-year-old brother Wyatt.

The bill requires California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife to strengthen existing programs, with annual progress updates and a comprehensive report due to lawmakers by 2031.

Alvarado-Gil has been clear that the bill is about coexistence, not eradication. Mountain lions remain a protected species in California, and the legislation is designed to improve the state’s ability to manage human-wildlife conflict without lethal intervention.