Description:

Mountain lions (aka cougars) are the largest can in North America. Adult males can weigh up to 82 kilograms (180 pounds) and measure 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. On average, female cougars are about 25% smaller than the males. Mountain lions can be reddish-brown, light brown, or grey in coloration, with a black tip on their tail. Cougars are known for their jumping ability, their agility, and their strength. They have a 4.5 meter (15 foot) vertical jump, and can leap 9 meters (30 feet) from a standstill. They have large feet and claws that allow them to attack and strip their prey. Mountain lion’s also have powerful jaws that allow them to kill and drag larger prey. Male cougars can live up to 12 years; females generally live a few years longer.

 

Behavior:

 

Mountain lions are solitary and secretive creatures that are rarely seen in the wild. Adult males roam widely, able to cover 80-241 sq kilometers (50-150 sq miles). They are most active from dawn to dusk, but can hunt during the day. They typically prey on moose, elk, deer, goats, and sheep, coyotes, rabbits, rodents, livestock, etc. Aside from new mothers, cougars hunt alone. To catch their prey, cougars rely on short bursts of speed, but they may stalk the animal for over an hour. To communicate, mountain lions meow, purr, hiss, cry, wail, moan, and chirp. The sounds they create have been compared to children crying, women screaming, and shrieks of severe pain.

 

Habitat:

 

At one time, cougars occupied land throughout the entirety of the United States. However, over hunting, agriculture, and urbanization has shrunk the cat’s population and habitat. Today, the mountain lion is mostly limited to the western portions of the United States. They require hundreds of kilometers to roam, so they mostly live in mountains, away from human development. Reproduction:The mountain lion can breed year-round, but mostly breeds in the winter and early spring. The gestation period is around 93 days and females give birth to between one and four kittens. Males do not play a significant role in raising the kittens. However, the kittens can stay with the female up to 19 months. Females usually breed every other year.

 

Conservation:

Because the cougar is so elusive, it is difficult for scientists to get an accurate estimation of the mountain lion population. Some states have hunting restrictions on the mountain lion, but there are not many conservation plans being initiated. Humans have had a severely negative impact on the mountain lion population. Habitat fragmentation, loss of habitat, and persecution by humans have all resulted in a reduced mountain lion population. Mountain Lion Foundation founded in 1986 to stop trophy hunting.