Steve is asked by a ranger friend, who has been mauled by the last remaining golden cougar, to help him save the animal from extinction. The ranchers in the area form a posse to track down the cougar which preys on their livestock and also has killed a rancher. Steve enlists the aid of a local woman, E.J. Haskell, to guide him to the cougar's lair. Upon reaching the scene, she must make the decision whether to lead Steve to its hiding place or kill the cougar herself.