Field Guide/Mammals/Cougar

Cougar (Puma) Puma concolor Cougar closeup.jpg Cougar (Puma) Puma concolor Felidae Total length: males – 7.55 ft. females – 6.9 ft. (males - 2.3 m. females – 2.1 m.). Tail length: males – 2.5 ft. females – 2.3 ft. (males - .77 m. females - .7 m.). Weight: 121 – 143 lbs. (55-65 kg.). Currier M.J.P. 1983 Mammalian Species 200 1–7 The cougar is a large, slender cat with muscular limbs. Currier M.J.P. 1983 Mammalian Species 200 1–7 They have grayish-brown to reddish-brown hair except for the tips on their tail and ears, which are black. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2012 Felis concolor http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=AMAJH04010 9/25/12 The Bobcat (Lynx rufus) differs from the cougar mainly in size and tail length. Bobcats are typically much smaller than Cougars. Bobcats also have short tails, while Cougar’s tails can account for up to a third of their total length. Hamilton, Hundt, Piokowski M., P., R. Mountain Lion, Puma, Cougar Cougars are found in western North America eastward to the Midwest. As well as north into Canada and south into Mexico.Dewey, Shivaraju T., A. 2003 Puma concolor Relatively unpopulated areas in the mountains. Currier M.J.P. 1983 Mammalian Species 200 1–7 Heavily forested areas. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2012 Felis concolor http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=AMAJH04010 9/25/12 Carnivorous. Moose (Alces alces), Elk (Cervus elaphus), White-Tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Bobcats (Lynx rufus). Hamilton, Hundt, Piokowski M., P., R. Mountain Lion, Puma, Cougar Solitary animals. Currier M.J.P. 1983 Mammalian Species 200 1–7 Nocturnal. Usually active at dawn and again at dusk. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2012 Felis concolor http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=AMAJH04010 9/25/12 Polygamous. Mates year-round, but typically between April and September. Gestation period of 82-96 days. Typical litter size of 1-6 (1 litter every other year). Newborns weigh 14.1 oz. (400 g.) at birth. Currier M.J.P. 1983 Mammalian Species 200 1–7 Weaned at 40 days. Hamilton, Hundt, Piokowski M., P., R. Mountain Lion, Puma, Cougar 8-12 years in the wild. 20 years in captivity. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2012 Felis concolor http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=AMAJH04010 9/25/12 Cougars used to have the largest distribution of all American terrestrial mammals. They used to range from coast to coast throughout North America and from southern Argentina to southeastern Alaska. Hunting and habitat destruction by humans has restricted their present-day range. Hamilton, Hundt, Piokowski M., P., R. Mountain Lion, Puma, Cougar The most common cause of death is from humans. Cougars cannot roar, but they can purr. Currier M.J.P. 1983 Mammalian Species 200 1–7 Siblings will stay together for 2-3 months after leaving their mother. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2012 Felis concolor http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=AMAJH04010 9/25/12 References