Mountain lions—also called cougars, pumas or panthers—roam Yosemite’s mountains and valleys. These important predators, native to the Americas, are a natural part of the Yosemite landscape. Because they are shy, solitary creatures, they elude visitors and are typically unconcerned by human presence even in close proximity. Sightings in the park often document a mountain lion on the prowl—sometimes chasing, killing or eating a raccoon or coyote—in developed areas.