In 1972 mountain lions (Puma concolor) became fully protected by the California state legislature because of the presumed low population in the state.  All sport hunting was ceased and mountain lions could only since be taken under a DFG depredation permit.  Since that time the mountain lion population responded and the population has grown.  At the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center there was an obvious resurgence of the numbers beginning in 1984.   Now the large furry critters are a common occurrence, although not easily seen, especially at the upper elevations of the Center.   This lion was captured on film by a trail camera that was set on a lion-killed deer carcass.  It appears as though the lion is enjoying the distant view of the town of Hopland!