Trailside Naturalist – Big Cats in the Preserve at Gateway Trailhead

Location: Gateway Trailhead

Time: ~2.5 hours

Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn about mountain lions that live in the Preserve.

Mountain Lions, also known in North America as the puma, cougar, catamount or panther live in the Preserve. They are almost never observed because they mainly roam from dusk to dawn. During the day these apex predators are masters of camouflage doing their very best to avoid humans. The Conservancy’s Parsons Field Institute – Wildlife Camera Project has captured wonderful photos of these magnificent cats in the Preserve. Come learn about these elusive mammals and their importance to a healthy desert ecology.