The exhibition was developed by the Center of Southwest Studies and the Colorado Division of Wildlife to address the pressing need for greater public awareness of the growing issue of human encounters with mountain lions. Over the preceding two decades, there had been a dramatic rise in cougar sightings and dangerous encounters on the urban fringes of numerous Western cities. In a few rare cases, these encounters resulted in fatalities.
The goal of the exhibition was to foster an understanding of the nature of these predators and their long, historic relationship with people. Blending science, history, and art, Mountain Lion! provided a comprehensive look at this elusive species. The exhibition examined the history of cougars beginning in the Ice Age, when they roamed the continent alongside formidable cats such as the giant North American cave lion and Smilodon, popularly known as the saber-toothed cat.
Another section explored the hunting techniques, behaviors, and physical characteristics of modern mountain lions that have enabled their survival for thousands of years. Mountain Lion! also illustrated the differing perspectives of Native Americans and early European settlers, tracing how attitudes toward cougars changed over time and how the animals have been portrayed in fine art and popular culture. Additional sections taught visitors how to interpret cougar behavior, recognize tracks and scat, and provided practical guidance on what to do in the event of an encounter. Visitors also had the opportunity to hear recordings of cougar vocalizations.