The Mountain Lion
a common visitor to Tucson Arizona

The Mountain Lion is a large American feline that resembles a lion. Other names this animal is known by: cougar, puma, catamount, painter, panther, and mountain cat.

They are tawny-colored with black-tipped ears and tail. They can run at speeds of up to 30 mph, and jump as far as 20 feet or vertically leap 8 feet from a standing position.

They often weigh over 150 pounds. Their bite strength exceeds that of any domestic dog, and the claws are retractable. Adult males can reach over eight feet in length, measured from nose to tail.

Males have been known to weigh as much as 200 pounds. Adult females can reach 7 feet in length long and weigh around 75 pounds. This big cat's lifespan is about ten years.

Pumas are carnivores and prefer to hunt large animals like deer. They are solitary ambush hunters. Their preferred method of killing their prey is with a powerful bite delivered to the base of the skull, which breaks the neck of the prey.

Mountain lions often bury the carcasses of their kills, the way some bears do. These carcasses are buried or partially covered for protection so the lion may continue to roam – returning to the kill whenever nourishment is desired. Adult males can roam areas up to 100 square miles.

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