Tracking Carnivore Sightings
We aim to track mountain lion and bear sightings wherever they occur through social media and community outreach. Check out our Google Sightings Map created and maintained by Marie Summers, Carnivore Project’s Map Director.
Did you submit a sighting or other encounter in 2025? Then you represented one of the 531 points we reviewed in our 2025 annual report! Check out the results for mountain lion sightings in 2025.
California Gray Wolves
We now track wolf movements and sightings across the region. Working alongside local residents and contributors, we’ve developed a new mapping tool designed to be a one-stop source for wolf activity and reports. We’re proud to unveil our Wolf Sightings Map — explore it to see the latest movement, sightings, and activity updates.
In March 2024, a tragic mountain lion fatality—the worst in 30 years—occurred in El Dorado County and prompted the creation of what would become Carnivore Project. Initially focused on tracking and understanding mountain lion encounters within the county, the effort quickly expanded to include black bears (Ursus americanus) and grew into a broader initiative.
By 2026, as sightings and community needs expanded across the Sierra Nevada foothills, the project evolved into Carnivore Project—reflecting a wider mission of advancing human–carnivore coexistence through independent, community-driven research and outreach. Our work now spans the foothill region, with additional focus on gray wolves as they continue to expand into Northern California and move toward the Sierra Nevada.
Our goal is to provide transparent data, actionable insights, and practical strategies for conflict prevention. Carnivore Project is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and California public benefit corporation. We operate as a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative, independent of government agencies, with the goal of supporting local communities and contributing to informed, evidence-based wildlife management.
Local volunteers
Carnivore Project is powered by local volunteers who dedicate their time because they care deeply about safe coexistence with mountain lions, bears, and wolves while protecting livestock and supporting their communities. Our team is out in the field, working with neighbors, analyzing sightings, maintaining data, and advocating for practical, science-based solutions—all on a volunteer basis.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar you give goes directly toward supporting this work—funding trail cameras, field equipment, community programs, and ensuring our public data remains accurate, transparent, and up to date.
Transparency
Carnivore Project was built to help answer the questions residents are actually asking: What protections work? Where are these animals active? What increases the likelihood of an encounter?
Like many in our community, we were frustrated by the lack of accessible, timely information about wildlife activity. In response, we built this project to be different—prioritizing transparency in both our data and our process.
We share what we collect, how we analyze it, and what it means—providing clear, accessible information that people can use to better understand wildlife and make informed decisions.
What to Do If You Encounter a Mountain Lion
Brief sighting (animal leaves quickly)?
Report it right away to help our tracking efforts through any of these methods:
- Use our sightings form
- Post on our Facebook group: Carnivore Project Map & Discussion
- Call our hotline: 530-444-9697
This works best for animals crossing a road or property and then departing.
Mountain lion won’t leave (at your home, work, or school)?
County officials recommend contacting your local County Sheriff’s Department.
Immediate threat to your health and safety?
County officials recommend calling 911 right away.
Livestock or pet loss from a suspected predator?
Officials recommend reporting it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Conflict Office. In El Dorado County, also contact the Agriculture Department.
Key Contacts
- CDFW Conflict Office: 916-358-2917
- El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department: 530-621-5655
- El Dorado County Agriculture Department: 530-621-5520
About
Following the 2024 Brooks brothers tragedy, the Carnivore Project unites four dedicated locals—a wildlife biologist, a teacher, a rancher, and a Brooks family member—to advance human-carnivore coexistence
“
Residents live here because of their love of wildlife, not despite it.”
Haley Molzahn
Executive Director
Lead Researcher