Both the mountain lion (cougar) and the gray wolf are apex predators in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem.

The Rocky Mountains are home to several apex predators, with the mountain lion (also known as the cougar or puma) and the gray wolf being the most prominent. Both species play crucial roles in regulating prey populations, such as deer and elk. While they may compete for prey in some areas, they generally occupy slightly different niches, contributing to the overall balance of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. Black bears are omnivores and, while they can prey on smaller animals, they are not considered a primary predator in the same way as mountain lions and wolves.