Mountain lion

Mountain Lion

The Mountain Lion (Puma concolor), also known as the cougar, puma, panther, or catamount, is a large felid of the subfamily Felinae native to the Americas. This large, solitary cat has the greatest range of any large wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, extending from the Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes of South America.

Description

Mountain Lions are large, slender cats, with males typically weighing between 53 and 100 kilograms (117–220 lb), and females typically weighing between 29 and 64 kilograms (64–141 lb). They have a short coat that is tawny in color, but can also be silver-gray or reddish, with lighter patches on the underbody.

Distribution and Habitat

Mountain Lions are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands. They are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of environments, from the cold, northern regions of Canada to the hot, arid deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Behavior and Diet

Mountain Lions are solitary and territorial animals. They are also crepuscular, being most active during dawn and dusk. They are carnivores, primarily hunting ungulates such as deer, but will also eat smaller animals, including insects and rodents.

Conservation Status

The Mountain Lion is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution. However, it is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and has been extirpated in heavily populated areas.

Cultural Significance

The Mountain Lion holds a significant place in the mythology of many indigenous peoples of the Americas, including the Navajo, Lakota, and Aztec cultures.

See Also

• Felidae
• Carnivora
• Wildlife of the United States
• Wildlife of Canada