Cougar
The cougar (*Puma concolor*) is a large wild cat native to the Americas and known by many names, including mountain lion and puma.
The cougar (*Puma concolor*) is a large wild cat native to the Americas, also known as the mountain lion or puma. It has one of the widest ranges of any land mammal in the Western Hemisphere, from Canada to South America.
What it is
Cougars are solitary, adaptable carnivores in the cat family. They go by many regional names, including panther and catamount. Their scientific name is *Puma concolor*. Globally, they are listed as Least Concern for conservation.
Key details
Adult cougars are about 1.5–2.4 m long including the tail, and weigh roughly 34–113 kg, with males larger than females. Their main prey is deer, but they also eat elk, moose, bighorn sheep, smaller mammals, birds, and sometimes livestock. Wild cougars typically live 8–13 years; in captivity, up to 20 years or more.
Why it matters
Cougars generally avoid humans, but attacks can occur if they are surprised, cornered, or defending prey or kittens. In Canada, they are native to western provinces, and wildlife management and safety are common concerns for residents and outdoor users.
In short
- Cougars are large wild cats found from Canada to South America.
- They mainly eat deer but also take elk, moose, and smaller animals.
- Attacks on humans are rare but possible in close encounters.
- In Canada, cougars are most common in western provinces.
Cougars are native to Canada, with populations in western Canada and historical or occasional presence in other regions. Canadian readers are especially likely to encounter cougar information in the context of wildlife management, conservation, and human-wildlife safety in western provinces.[1][3][7]
Quick questions
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Sources
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/cougarSupports: Scientific name, range, habitat, diet, and general species overview
- Zoo Idaho — https://zooidaho.org/animals/fact-sheets/cougar/Supports: Range, habitat, diet, and lifespan
- Big Cat Rescue — https://bigcatrescue.org/conservation-news/cougar-factsSupports: Scientific name, common names, size, weight, and lifespan
- Animal Fact Guide — https://animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/cougar/Supports: Size, weight, diet, and lifespan
- Wildlife Nomads — https://www.wildlifenomads.com/blog/cougar-facts/Supports: Human safety context and danger to humans
- Wildlife Prairie Park — https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/animal/cougarSupports: Natural history, habitat, and diet
- U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/noca/learn/nature/cougars.htmSupports: Wild lifespan
- U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/cougar.htmSupports: Species identification and North American status