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Distributed widely throughout the western U.S., including all four deserts of the American Southwest.
The Mountain Lion, also known as the Cougar, Panther or Puma, is the most widely distributed
cat in the Americas. It is unspotted -- tawny-colored above overlaid with buff below. It has a small head and small, rounded,
black-tipped ears. Its long tail is also black-tipped.Adult males may be more than 8 feet long from nose to end of tail and
generally weigh between 130 and 150 pounds. Adult females can be 7 feet long and weigh between 65 and 120 pounds.
Mountain Lions are solitary, strongly territorial hunters who, unlike most cat species, may be active during the day.
Normally, lions are very elusive, and people rarely get more than a brief glimpse of a Mountain Lion in the wild. They are,
however, unpredictable and have been known to attack people.The predatory behavior of a Mountain Lion is very similar to the
domestic cat. The lion will attempt to conceal itself for a surprise attack while stalking its prey. A crouched position is
assumed with the tail twitching and the ears upright. An agitated lion may snarl and lay its ears back.
Cougars
of NE Texas October,2008 Reportedly a local game official caught these great photos on a
game cam of 3 panthers(cougars) having deer for dinner.
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| Mountain Lion stalking a deer |
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