Cougar
Puma concolor
Quick answer
The cougar, also called puma, mountain lion, or panther, is a large solitary cat with the widest range of any wild land mammal in the Americas, from Canada to the southern Andes. It is a powerful ambush predator that hunts deer and other prey, and despite its size it is not classed among the "big cats" because it cannot roar. Cougars can leap great distances and run fast over short bursts. In the wild they typically live 8 to 13 years.
Cougar facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Puma concolor |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Mountains, forests, and deserts |
| Lifespan | 8–13 years in the wild |
| Weight | 29–90 kg (64–200 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 80 km/h (50 mph) in short bursts |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Puma |
Where it lives
Mountains, forests, and deserts from western Canada through the United States to the southern Andes of South America.
Behavior and athleticism
Cougars are solitary and territorial, with males patrolling large home ranges that overlap those of several females. They are remarkable athletes, able to leap up to 5 m (16 ft) vertically and bound long distances, and they sprint at high speed over short stretches. Although large, the cougar is most closely related to smaller cats and cannot roar; instead it purrs, hisses, growls, and produces an eerie scream. It is most active at dawn and dusk.
Diet and hunting
Cougars are carnivores and ambush hunters, relying on stealth to stalk close before a powerful pounce. Deer are their primary prey across much of their range, but they also take elk, smaller mammals, and occasionally livestock. After a kill, a cougar often drags the carcass to a sheltered spot and covers it with leaves and debris, returning to feed over several days. A single cougar may kill a large animal roughly once a week.
Habitat and range
The cougar has the largest geographic range of any wild land mammal in the Western Hemisphere, stretching from the Canadian Yukon down through the western United States, Mexico, and Central America to the southern tip of South America. It is highly adaptable, living in mountains, forests, deserts, swamps, and scrubland. This wide range has earned it dozens of regional names, including puma, mountain lion, and panther. In the eastern United States, only a small Florida panther population remains.
Humans and conservation
Cougars are listed as Least Concern overall, with stable populations across much of their range, though some isolated groups such as the Florida panther are endangered. They are shy and attacks on people are rare, but expanding human development increases encounters. Vehicle collisions, habitat fragmentation, and conflict with livestock owners are the main threats. Wildlife corridors help keep populations connected and genetically healthy.
Frequently asked questions about the Cougar
Is a cougar the same as a mountain lion or puma?
Yes. Cougar, puma, mountain lion, and panther are all names for the same species, Puma concolor. It has more common names than almost any other animal.
What do cougars eat?
Cougars are carnivores that mainly hunt deer, along with elk, smaller mammals, and sometimes livestock. They ambush prey and often cache a kill to feed on it over several days.
Can cougars roar?
No. Despite their size, cougars cannot roar because they lack the specialized throat structure of true big cats. They purr, hiss, growl, and make a distinctive scream instead.
Are cougars dangerous to humans?
Cougar attacks on people are rare, as the cats are shy and tend to avoid humans. Encounters are increasing with development, but the risk to people remains very low.
How high can a cougar jump?
Cougars are exceptional jumpers, able to leap roughly 5 m (16 ft) straight up and bound long horizontal distances, which helps them ambush prey and move through rugged terrain.
How long do cougars live?
Wild cougars typically live 8 to 13 years, while those in captivity can reach their late teens or early twenties with reliable food and veterinary care.
