Direct close-up view of a cougar's face framed against a weathered log. The big cat has short tan-brown fur, light creamy fur around its muzzle, a pinkish nose outlined in black, and subtle dark tear-mark lines extending from its eyes.

North America South AmericaMammalsLeast Concern

Mountain Lion

Where Mountain Lions Live

Continent: North America, South America

Forests, deserts, mountains, and grasslands across the Americas, from western Canada through the western United States, Mexico, and much of South America.

The mountain lion, also called the cougar or puma, is one of the most widely distributed wild cats in the Western Hemisphere, ranging from Canada to the southern tip of South America. Unlike Panthera cats, it cannot roar, instead communicating through purrs, chirps, growls, and a distinctive scream. A solitary, highly territorial predator, it relies on explosive leaping ability and stealth to ambush prey. Though stable overall, regional populations face pressure from habitat fragmentation and human conflict.

North America and South America maps silhouettes on white background.

North America, South America

Quick Facts

Length1.5 to 2.75 m (5 to 9 ft) including tail

WeightMales 53 to 100 kg (117 to 220 lb), females 29 to 64 kg (64 to 141 lb)

Lifespan8 to 13 years wild, up to 18 to 20 in some cases

SpeedCapable of leaps up to 5.5 m (18 ft) vertically and 12 m (40 ft) horizontally

DietDeer and other mammals, from rodents to elk

Clutch1 to 6 kittens, usually 2 to 4, gestation about 90 days

Population icon

PopulationNo precise global figure, stable but regionally declining

RangeWestern Canada to southern South America

Conservation Status

EXExtinct

EWExtinct in the Wild

CRCritically Endangered

ENEndangered

VUVulnerable

NTNear Threatened

LCLeast Concern

NENot Evaluated

How Mountain Lions Survive in the Wild

A muscular, tawny-coated mountain lion steps forward across a dry, red-earthed ground scattered with loose pebbles and small rocks. Its body is angled in a slight three-quarter view with its dark-ringed eyes looking directly forward.

1

Screams Instead of Roars

Mountain lions cannot roar due to their anatomy, but can produce a wide range of sounds including purrs, chirps, growls, and a piercing scream.

A full-body shot of a tawny mountain lion crouched high up on a large, lichen-spotted tree branch surrounded by lush green foliage. The big cat faces forward with its long tail hanging down along the curve of the limb against a bright, overcast sky backdrop.

2

Explosive Leaping Power

Their explosive leaping ability, up to 5.5 m (18 ft) vertically, allows them to ambush prey from cover with a short, powerful pounce.

A mountain lion lowers its chest as it carefully navigates across large, light-colored rocks. Behind the animal, green tree foliage and a fine wire mesh fence are visible.

3

Caching Large Kills

They cache large kills under leaves and debris, returning to feed over several days rather than consuming everything at once.

1 / 3

Social Lives of Mountain Lions

A close, direct shot of a mountain lion looking into the camera lens with its mouth slightly open, revealing its lower teeth and tongue. Its green-gray eyes and prominent dark facial markings are sharply defined against a lush green background.

1

Solitary and Territorial

Mountain lions are strongly solitary and territorial, with males actively patrolling and defending large home ranges.

A mountain lion sits comfortably perched on a weathered wooden log. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy above, casting light on its face and back, while large, bright green tropical leaves frame the lower foreground.

2

One Male, Several Females

A single male's territory typically overlaps with those of two to three females, allowing multiple potential breeding opportunities.

An adult mountain lion leans over a younger cub from behind, gently nuzzling or grooming the fur near the cub's ear. The cub rests its front legs over a large horizontal log, gazing forward into the bright green forest foliage in the background.

3

Kittens Learn to Hunt

Kittens remain with their mother for 12 to 24 months, learning to hunt before dispersing to find their own territory.

1 / 3

Photo Gallery

An adult mountain lion leans over a younger cub from behind, gently nuzzling or grooming the fur near the cub's ear. The cub rests its front legs over a large horizontal log, gazing forward into the bright green forest foliage in the background.

A muscular, tawny-coated mountain lion steps forward across a dry, red-earthed ground scattered with loose pebbles and small rocks. Its body is angled in a slight three-quarter view with its dark-ringed eyes looking directly forward.

A close-up shot showing two adult mountain lions in a tender moment. The lion on the left extends its pink tongue to lick the forehead and ear of the lion on the right, who closes its eyes slightly during the interaction

An intimate macro shot focusing on a mountain lion using its tongue to groom the top of another lion's head. Warm, soft light highlights the texture of their short, golden-brown fur and whiskers.

A mountain lion stands facing the camera directly, leaning its head and upper body low in a focused, intent posture. Vibrant green grass fills the background behind its golden coat.

A mountain lion lowers its chest as it carefully navigates across large, light-colored rocks. Behind the animal, green tree foliage and a fine wire mesh fence are visible.

A close, direct shot of a mountain lion looking into the camera lens with its mouth slightly open, revealing its lower teeth and tongue. Its green-gray eyes and prominent dark facial markings are sharply defined against a lush green background.

A mountain lion sits comfortably perched on a weathered wooden log. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy above, casting light on its face and back, while large, bright green tropical leaves frame the lower foreground.

A mountain lion resting among thick tree branches licks its nose and lips with its tongue out. Surrounding the big cat are dense, vibrant green leaves illuminated by bright outdoor light.

A full-body shot of a tawny mountain lion crouched high up on a large, lichen-spotted tree branch surrounded by lush green foliage. The big cat faces forward with its long tail hanging down along the curve of the limb against a bright, overcast sky backdrop.

Flashcards