California has taken a big step to save more than 1,400 mountain lions. The state’s Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to protect six groups of these cats under the California Endangered Species Act. These mountain lions live from the Bay Area to the Mexican border. Tiffany Yap from the Center for Biological Diversity said, “Mountain lions are a marvel but too many across the Golden state are struggling in the diminished and fractured wild places where they live. This state isn’t willing to stand back and watch our precious wildlife vanish forever.” The new rules mean state agencies must protect these lions and check new developments for harm to their habitats. Measures include building more wildlife crossings, improving roads, and restricting rat poison. A major wildlife crossing is planned over the 101 freeway to help the lions move safely. These mountain lion groups face many dangers like habitat loss, car accidents, poison, and disease. Before the vote, some groups like the California Farm Bureau worried about risks to people and livestock. Valerie Termini from California Fish and Wildlife said, “The segment of the population we’re talking about today is clearly at risk from distinct threats,” and confirmed that protecting the lions was the right choice despite differing opinions.