Erzsebet Frey

[Mountain
lions](https://simplyecologist.com/cougars-interesting-facts/), known as
"pumas" and "cougars," are large, powerful predators that have an
important role in the ecosystem. Their main food source is deer, but
they can also prey on smaller animals such as raccoons, rabbits, pets,
and livestock.

The historical range of the [mountain
lion](https://simplyecologist.com/cougars-interesting-facts/) was, aside
from humans, the largest of any land mammal in the western hemisphere.
The mountain
[lion](https://simplyecologist.com/interesting-facts-about-the-lion/) is
still found from the southern tip of South America to British Columbia
but was apparently extirpated in the eastern United States (except
southern Florida) and eastern Canada in the late 18th, 19th, and early
20th centuries. They expanded their distribution into states like
Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

Much of this expansion occurred after cougars were reclassified from
unregulated status to wild animals in most states and after the use of
venoms was restricted in the early 1970s. Similarly, the
[lions](https://simplyecologist.com/interesting-facts-about-the-lion/)
of the mountains in Wyoming increased in abundance and distribution and
currently occur in most regions with timber or tall-shrub cover
statewide.

In
addition, much of the habitat occupied by mountain lions in Wyoming consists of mountain ranges that extend into surrounding states. These
long-distance movements represent a very effective means of gene
transfer, helping to maintain lion populations in distant regions.

The recovery of the cougars throughout Wyoming (and probably much of the
former area of ​​the species) is probably due to favorable changes in the
management practices and guidelines, and the habitat conditions, which
favor the increases of some prey such as elk and white-tailed deer.

More than half of California including most of the
undeveloped San Mateo and **San**ta Clara counties is a
prime mountain lion habitat. Cougars are a particularly protected
species in California.

Cougars are America's most widespread cats, found from Canada to
Argentina. They are found in almost all habitats. They live in
mountainous, semi-arid terrain, in subtropical and tropical forests, and
in swamps. Cougars are most commonly found where prey is plentiful,
rugged terrain, and suitable vegetation. They are active all year round.
While cougars tend to avoid humans, they can and do live in close
proximity to humans. They tend to be more active when fewer people are
around.

There is no breeding population of cougars in Iowa. Dental age and DNA
data have shown that the majority of mountain lions in Iowa are young
males (2-3 years old) hailing from the Black Hills region of South
Dakota or Nebraska. The oldest male mountain lion killed in Iowa in 2013
was a 4-year-old male. who came from Nebraska. A female
[puma](https://simplyecologist.com/cougars-interesting-facts/) has not
been documented in Iowa in recent history.

Mountain lions are most commonly found in habitats where prey is
plentiful. In Utah, mountain lions prefer areas with pine and juniper
scrub. Within these habitat types, lions prefer areas with rocky cliffs,
ledges, and
[tall](https://simplyecologist.com/how-tall-is-a-grizzly-bear/) trees or
bushes that can serve as cover. Cougars often climb trees to avoid
detection and danger. Lions generally avoid areas of low-growing
sagebrush and shrubs, areas used for agriculture and grazing, and any
other areas without high enough cover.

Previous studies in the western US indicate that mountain lions select
coniferous, deciduous, riparian, and tall shrub habitat types at
mid-elevations on steep or rugged terrain. prey and brood rearing. Aside
from prey scarcity, the only other conditions that limit lion
distribution are wide open areas with few hiding places and extremely
cold winter temperatures in northern climates.

Lionesses with cubs prefer areas with large conifers, rocks, and dense
bushes that provide shelter and shelter for the kittens.

Overall, gene flow in the Central Rocky Mountains would indicate that
the region supports a large population of mountain lions with a rapid
genetic exchange between patches of suitable habitat.

Overall, gene flow in the Central Rocky Mountains would suggest that the
region supports a large population of mountain lions with a rapid
genetic exchange between patches of suitable habitat.

Despite the cougar's large geographic range and adaptability, evolution
and habitat fragmentation can negatively impact lion populations. The
construction of new roads and housing in cougar habitat not only reduces
the quantity and quality of habitat available to cougars and their prey
\[p. deer (Odocoileus spp.) and elk (Cervus spp.)\], but the human
presence in these areas is also increasing. Increased human activity
ultimately leads to more frequent conflicts and ultimately higher
mortality rates of cougars in these areas. Even in sparsely populated
states like Wyoming, where most of the lion's range is still relatively
untouched, subdivisions, new road construction, and oil and gas
development can negatively impact the habitats occupied by cougars.


Mountain lions, known as “pumas” and “cougars,” are large, powerful predators that have an important role in the ecosystem. Their main food source is deer, but they can also prey on smaller animals such as raccoons, rabbits, pets, and livestock. The historical range of the mountain lion was, aside from humans, the largest of any land mammal in the western hemisphere.

Where does mountain lion live?

Sleek and elegant,
[cougars](https://simplyecologist.com/cougars-interesting-facts/)
(*[Puma](https://simplyecologist.com/cougars-interesting-facts/)
concolor*) are secretive loners rarely seen in the wild. Also known as
[mountain
lions](https://simplyecologist.com/cougars-interesting-facts/),
[pumas](https://simplyecologist.com/cougars-interesting-facts/) or
cougars are famous for their strength, agility, and amazing jump
capacity. Their truly powerful legs allow them to leap 30 feet from a
standing position or leap 15 feet straight into a cliff.

A puma body strength and strong jaws enable it to trip and drag prey
larger than itself. Cougars belong to the largest members of the cat
family in North America. Adult males weigh 140 pounds, but in a perfect
situation, they can weigh up to 180 pounds and be 78 feet long from nose
to tail tip. Adult males stand at about 30 inches at the shoulder. Adult
female cougars are on average 25 percent smaller than males. Pumas'
color ranges from reddish-brown to tawny (deerlike) to gray, with a
black tip on their long tail.

Cougars can be found throughout the whole of Washington where there is
dense cover and abundant prey. The cougar population for 2002 was
estimated at between 2,400 and 3,500 individuals. Nationwide, the puma
population is declining. The Department of
[Fish](https://simplyecologist.com/fish-with-horns/) and Wildlife has
nine administrative zones throughout the state designed to maintain or
reduce and regulate harvest levels accordingly. Wildlife bureaus across
the state receive hundreds of calls each year about sightings, attacks
on livestock and pets, and confrontations between cougars and humans.
Our growing human population and dwindling puma
[habitat](https://simplyecologist.com/what-is-the-natural-habitat-of-a-red-panda/)
may create more opportunities for such encounters.


Sleek and elegant, cougars (
<em>
 Puma concolor
</em>
) are secretive loners rarely seen in the wild. Also known as mountain lions, pumas or cougars are famous for their strength, agility, and amazing jump capacity. Their truly powerful legs allow them to leap 30 feet from a standing position or leap 15 feet straight into a cliff. A puma body strength and strong jaws enable it to trip and drag prey larger than itself.

Postagens de Rogue Scholar

Where does mountain lion live?

Are cougars mountain lions?