Cougar

Torres del Paine puma JF2

Acinonyx jubatus (white background)

Felis concolor - 1818-1842 - Print - Iconographia Zoologica - Special Collections University of Amsterdam -(white background)

Lydekker - Eyra White background

Puma concolor camera trap Arizona 2

Cougar (Puma concolor), also known as the mountain lion, puma, panther, or catamount, is a large felid of the subfamily Felinae native to the Americas. Its range, from the Canadian Yukon to the southern Andes of South America, is the most widespread of any wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere. An adaptable, generalist species, the cougar is found in most American habitat types. It is the second-heaviest cat in the New World, after the jaguar. Secretive and largely solitary by nature, the cougar is properly considered both nocturnal and crepuscular, although daytime sightings do occur.

Description

The cougar is a large, slender cat with a small head and noticeably long tail. The fur is a solid tan or sandy color, without spots or stripes. Adult males are around 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) long from nose to tail tip, and females average 2.05 meters (6.7 feet). Males typically weigh 53 to 100 kilograms (117 to 220 pounds), while females weigh between 29 and 64 kilograms (64 to 141 pounds). Despite their size, cougars can climb easily and are capable of leaping from the ground up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) into a tree.

Habitat and Distribution

Cougars have a large range that includes many types of environments, from arid desert to tropical forest. They prefer habitats with dense underbrush and rocky areas for stalking, but can also live in open areas. The wide range of habitats reflects the cougar's adaptability.

Behavior

Cougars are solitary and territorial animals. They are also known for their powerful stealth and are skilled hunters. Primary prey includes ungulates such as deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as domestic animals. They employ a remarkable variety of vocalizations during communication, including growls, hisses, and purrs.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Female cougars reach sexual maturity between one and three years of age. They typically give birth to a litter of two to four cubs after a gestation of approximately 91 days. Cubs are born blind and depend on their mother for the first few months of life. The mortality rate for young cougars is high, but adults can live up to 10 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.

Conservation Status

The cougar is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), thanks to its wide distribution and large population. However, it faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, and in some areas, it is heavily hunted for sport and to protect livestock.

Cultural Significance

The cougar has a significant place in the mythology and folklore of many Native American cultures. It is often associated with strength, cunning, and as a guardian of the natural world.