Puma

Felis concolor

Similar Species: Pumas are in the genus Felis, which are considered the small cats. This genus includes lynx, bobcat, ocelot, etc.

Status in the Wild: Some subspecies are listed federally as endangered such as the Florida panther, eastern cougar, and Costa Rican cougar.

Also known as cougar, catamount, mountain lion, panther

Range: The puma has the largest range of any mammal in the western hemisphere (with the exception of humans). It was at one time found throughout North, Central and South America, but is now limited to “isolated islands” of its former range.

Habitat: This species is able to thrive in diverse habitats including coniferous forests, tropical forests, swamps, grasslands and dry brush country. It is basically able to survive in any habitat that provides enough adequate cover and prey.

Description: Pumas are the largest cats in the genus Felis. The average head and body length of an adult male is between 41 and 76 inches. The tail adds another 25 to 30 inches. Weight is between 147 and 226 pounds. Females are smaller, averaging a length of 37 to 59 inches with a tail between 21 and 32 inches and a weight of 79 to 132 pounds. Generally, larger individuals are in the northern most part of the range, while the smaller cats are found in the tropics.

Reproduction/Life Cycle: Sexual maturity is attained by females about two and a half years of age, and males at about three years. There is no specific breeding season, although in North America most births occur in late winter or early spring. Females usually give birth every other year. Gestation is between 90 and 96 days. Litter size ranges from one to six, but is usually three or four kittens. They weigh between eight and 15 ounces and are spotted until they are six months old. The kittens nurse for approximately three months but may begin eating meat at six weeks. The kittens are able to accompany their mother on hunts at approximately six months and are able to make their own kills a few months after that. They usually stay with their mother for about two years. Litter mates stay together two to three months after leaving their mother. Reproductive activity does not begin until the young establish their own individual home range.

Habits/Diet: The puma is a powerful predator and is extremely agile. It is reported to be capable of leaping from the ground to a tree branch up to 17 feet in a single bound. The main prey throughout the range is deer. The cougar stalks and leaps on the back of its prey, seizing the neck. An individual will kill about one deer per week but other smaller prey items might also be taken. The kill is dragged to a sheltered spot and remains covered and revisited over the next several days. Pumas are solitary and establish large home ranges. Studies have shown these home ranges can be anywhere from 21 square miles up to 181 square miles, depending on the season. Adult males generally do not tolerate other males in their territory, although they will allow a female’s territory to overlap. Adult female territories often overlap. Adult cats are solitary and come together for only a brief courtship that often follows several males fighting over a single female.