The Cougar is a powerful,
graceful and supremely adaptable feline, that is also
referred to as a mountain lion, panther, puma, or catamount.
No matter what you call them, its still the same cat. So why
does it have so many names? The main reason is because it
has such a large range. People from different areas and
different countries called it different things. Despite
their large size, the cougar is not a true "big cat". The
cougar is a member of the felidae family, as opposed to the
panthera family of the tiger and lion. The largest of the
small cats, cougars can weigh 90 to 150 lbs and reach about
8 feet in length from nose to tail. They have proportionally
the most powerful hind legs of any cats, with amazing
jumping ability of 18 feet vertically and up to 20 to 40
feet horizontally.
Once hunted to near extinction, has made a terrific comeback. In
parts of the eastern united states, there have been repot of
cougars. Not too long ago, they were thought to be extinct in
these areas. Preferring to avoid people whenever they can, they
live a solitary life.
Mountain lions prefer wild areas frequented by
deer, but
they do eat beavers, rabbits, porcupines,
raccoons, birds, small mammals, foxes, mice, and grass. They
prefer wild prey, but they will take sheep in areas where
these are easily available as well as calves, foals, cats
and even dogs. One mountain lion can eat a deer a week.
Lions are known to hide the remains of their meat, feeding on it
for days, or until it spoils. If by chance you find a killed
animal thought to be a mountain lions, leave the area
immediately as they are most likely near by.
After a gestation of 82 to 96 days, 1 to 6 cubs are born. Cubs will
ramin at their mothers side for a year or more. Normally leaving
between 14 and 18 months of age. Males will start looking for
their own territories. Females have been known to stay near and
even in their mothers territory.
