Western mountain lions are slowly recolonizing parts of the Midwest. Connecticut documented its first male in 2011 (after a 1,500-mile journey from South Dakota). Long-term population establishment is uncertain.

Also called: Mountain Lion, Cougar, Puma, Panther

Native status: Native; recolonizing eastward

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 1.5–2.7 m; shoulder height 60–80 cm
WeightMales 53–100 kg; females 29–64 kg
LifespanWild 8–13 years
OrderCarnivora
FamilyFelidae

§ Encyclopedia

The cougar, also called puma, mountain lion, catamount, and panther, is a large feline native to the Americas. It inhabits North, Central and South America, making it the most widely distributed wild, terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the most widespread in the world. Its range spans Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, the Rocky Mountains and areas in the western United States. Further south, its range extends through Mexico to the Amazon rainforest and the southern Andes Mountains in Patagonia. It is an adaptable generalist species, occurring in most American habitat types. It prefers habitats with dense underbrush and rocky areas for stalking but also lives in open areas.

Source: Wikipedia — Cougar Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large tawny cat with no spots; long thick tail; small head.

Similar species. Bobcat (much smaller; spotted; short tail). Jaguar (spotted; range barely overlaps).

Voice. Cannot roar; high-pitched screams during estrus.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Large mammals: deer (primary), elk, smaller mammals.

Behavior. Western mountain lions are increasingly recolonizing eastern habitats. Documented sightings in MI, IL, MO, IA, and Wisconsin recent decades.

§ Range

Western North America; recolonizing east

§ Habitat

Diverse: mountains, forests, deserts, suburbs

§ Threats

Vehicle strikes on increasingly populated eastern roads, persecution by livestock owners.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the western mountain lion (recolonizing east) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support eastern wildlife corridors. Don't harm dispersing individuals. Respect distance from sightings.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • Mountain Lion Foundation
  • IUCN Red List 2015