|
July
2010
 Sleek
and secure in its own abilities, the mountain lion
stalks its prey, sprints, then pounces with overwhelming
force. Relative size doesn’t matter; even elk, bison and
bear weighing five to seven times its own weight succumb
with a single swift, killing bite to the neck.
Curiously, despite such abilities,
the big cat acts like the neighborhood tabby when it
encounters a barking dog, and leaps into the trees to
escape. If cornered, it does not roar, since a bone in
its throat prevents the low rumble, but it does snarl
and growl. However, despite a reputation for terrifying
screams, the cougar usually communicates with
high-pitched chirps, purrs and warbles.
Such vocalizations are especially
important among mothers and kittens. A litter of two to
six, most often born in summer, is dependent on mother’s
teaching and corrections for nine months, before
confidently assuming the hunters’ roles for themselves.
 Mountain
lion
Puma
concolor
Aka: cougar, puma,
panther
Head and body: 42-54
inches; tail: 30-36 inches
Habitat:
wilderness forests, swamps, chaparral, deserts
© Tim Herd
photo by Leonard Lee Rue III |
