Check with Fish and Wildlife.. there are no regs for bears either but they are not legal to shoot.. I suspect they are endangered so illegal..
As for the lion, I have heard stories from a Game Warden that there was a fellow who traded in Exotic Animals who was about to be raided and released a bunch INCLUDING and African Lion.. which was found and captured. No one knows what all the man had.. most were supposedly caught,... but releases of Mt. Lions kept as pets are not uncommon ... could be a Wildcat but I have not seen the pics.. can you send me a copy or post where to see them?
Jim