Rebounding Mountain Lion Population Brings Concern to the Rural West

California’s first fatal cougar attack in 20 years highlights the growing population of big cats and potential threat to people, pets, and livestock.

An uncollared adult female mountain lion photographed with a motion sensor camera in Los Angeles County, Calif., on July 10, 2016. U.S. National Park Service via AP

A brutal mountain lion attack just 45 miles north of Sacramento, California, on March 23 left 18-year-old Wyatt Brooks with “traumatic injuries to his face,” and his brother, Taylen Brooks, 21, dead, according to the El Dorado Sheriff’s Office.

Wyatt Brooks is expected to recover.