Cougar (Felis concolor)

(last update 98 May)

The cougar (also known as mountain lion) is the largest of North America's wild cats. Adult males average from 60 to 70 kg (130 to 160 lb.) and females weigh from 40 to 50 kg (90 to 110 lb.). From nose to tip of tail, a large cougar may be as long as 3 m (10 ft.). Adults grade in color from yellow through reddish brown to grey, with a light belly, chin and throat. They have short black ears and a long rounded tail tipped with black.

Cougars do not have a specific breeding season. Although most kittens are born in late winter or midsummer, young can be produced at any time. Two to four kittens are born in a well-hidden den, commonly a cave. Kittens are yellowish, spotted with brown. The female alone raises her young, the kittens remaining with her for about a year. Deer are the cougar's main food, but it also takes other large game animals, as well as small rodents, hares and birds.

This alert, secretive animal is rarely seen; it hunts only at night. It is not often found away from the protection of dense cover. The cougar occurs in the mountain and foothill regions. Occasional sightings have been reported along river valleys east of these zones.

On very rare occasions, people have been attacked by cougars. Go to Living with Cougars for information about how to avoid dangerous encounters when in cougar country.