MOUNTAIN LION
Puma concolor
DESCRIPTION
The Mountain Lion, also known as the Cougar or Puma, is a large feline native to the Americas. It is known for its adaptability to various habitats and its solitary nature.
FUN FACTS
- Mountain Lions can leap up to 20 feet in a single bound | They have the largest range of any wild terrestrial mammal in the Americas | Mountain Lions can purr, but only when exhaling
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight53-100 kg
Average Length1.5-2.4 m
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social StructureSolitary, with individuals maintaining large territories.
Activity PatternCrepuscular
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks in spring and summer
- Habitat
- Mountain Lions inhabit a range of environments, including forests, mountains, and deserts. They prefer areas with ample cover for stalking prey.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland, Desert, Mountain
- Native Range
- From Canada to South America, primarily in western North America.
- Continent
- North America, South America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
- Diet
- Mountain Lions are carnivorous and primarily hunt large ungulates. They also consume smaller mammals and birds when larger prey is scarce.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- Deer, elk, and smaller mammals
- Social Structure
- Solitary, with individuals maintaining large territories.
- Activity Pattern
- Crepuscular
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 1
53-100 kg
Weight
1.5-2.4 m
Length
- Coloration
- Tawny or grayish with lighter underparts and dark markings.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 91-95 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-6
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks in spring and summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is generally stable, but varies by region.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 30,000-50,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and hunting pose significant threats to Mountain Lions.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use stealth and agility to evade threats and can climb trees to escape danger.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon