# Cougar (*Puma concolor*) Cougars are big cats that live in the wild. They are known for their beautiful tan fur and long tails. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 4/5 · High - **Snaps:** 6 - **Habitat:** Forests, mountains, and grasslands - **Also known as:** Catamount, Mountain Lion, Puma ![Cougar](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424243/objects/4504.jpg) ## Appearance The Cougar has a sleek, muscular body covered in a plain, tawny coat that ranges from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, without spots or stripes. It possesses a relatively small, rounded head and a long, thick tail tipped with black. Its unpatterned fur distinguishes it from other big cats like leopards or jaguars. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Felidae - **Genus:** Puma ## Interesting facts - A cougar's roar is actually a purr, but they can make terrifying, loud screams! - Cougars are also called mountain lions, pumas, or catamounts, all for the same animal! - Their long, heavy tail acts like a counterbalance for amazing agility and balance! - They are the largest wild cat in North America that can still purr like a house cat! ## Special abilities - **Stealth Hunter:** Cougars can move silently through dense environments because of their padded paws, which helps them ambush unsuspecting prey. - **Super Jumper:** Cougars have incredibly powerful hind legs and muscles that help them leap over 15 feet high and 40 feet horizontally. - **Night Vision Pro:** Cougars have large eyes with many rods and a reflective layer that helps them see exceptionally well in low light conditions. - **Agile Climber:** Cougars can quickly scale trees and rocky cliffs because of their strong claws and flexible bodies, which helps them escape danger. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 105-195 cm - **Weight:** 29-100 kg - **Lifespan:** 8-13 years - **Speed:** 80 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-6 - **Gestation:** 90-96 days ## Diet & Feeding Cougars are expert hunters who mostly eat meat, primarily deer and other large prey they catch. - **Primary Foods:** Odocoileus virginianus, Cervus canadensis, Ovis canadensis, Procyon lotor, Lepus americanus - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Primary prey species, crucial for survival. - **Hunts:** [Elk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/elk) (*Cervus canadensis*) — Important prey, especially in western ranges. - **Hunts:** [Bighorn Sheep](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bighorn-sheep) (*Ovis canadensis*) — Preys on sheep in mountainous habitats. - **Depends on:** American Black Bear (*Ursus americanus*) — Occasionally scavenges cougar kills or competes for food. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 4/5 · High Always admire cougars from a safe distance. They are wild animals and should be respected. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Cougar? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Cougar? 105-195 cm ### How much does Cougar weigh? 29-100 kg ### How long does Cougar live? 8-13 years ### How fast can Cougar move? 80 km/h ### What does Cougar eat? Cougars are expert hunters who mostly eat meat, primarily deer and other large prey they catch. ### Where is Cougar usually found? Forests, mountains, and grasslands ### How does Cougar hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Boyce Thompson Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/boyce-thompson-arboretum) — Arizona, US · Botanical Garden - [Abilene Zoological Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/abilene-zoological-gardens) — Texas, US · Zoo - [Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chattanooga-zoo-at-warner-park) — Tennessee, US · Zoo - [Northwest Trek Wildlife Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/northwest-trek-wildlife-park) — Washington, US · Zoo - [Oregon Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/oregon-zoo) — Oregon, US · Zoo - [ZooAmerica](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/zooamerica) — Pennsylvania, US · Zoo [View all places to see Cougar](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/cougar) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Cougar: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cougar)