11 Unique Mountain Lion Facts

Mountain lions, also known as pumas or cougars, are large cats with tan-colored fur and black facial markings. They are one of the biggest cats in the world and have many intriguing qualities that make them the most powerful predators in the Western Hemisphere. From their scream-like mating call, and inability to roar, to their extensive habitat range, here are 11 facts about mountain lions that prove their uniqueness. 

Mountain lions don’t roar

Unlike most large cats, mountain lions cannot roar because of the structure of their larynx. Instead, they growl, hiss, and scream. Their mating call is one of the scariest sounds they make as it is similar to a human’s scream. They also use this hair-raising call when defending their territories, and it works just as well as a roar would.

They have no natural predators

Mountain lions are apex predators, meaning they are not natural prey for other animals. However, bears, wolves, coyotes, and other mountain lions are potential threats because they all compete for the same food. Apex predators are at the top of the food chain, which is advantageous for their population size and when hunting.

Males have larger territories

Male mountain lions have significantly larger territories than their female counterparts. The average territory range for males spans for more than 100 square miles and only between 20 to 60 square miles for females. They are both solitary and territorial, so they live and hunt alone while actively protecting their territories from any threats.

Their hind legs are more powerful than their front legs

A mountain lion’s hind legs are the most powerful part of their bodies. Their hind legs are well-muscled and strong, which is why they can jump and leap incredibly far. These cats can jump a whopping 18 feet in the air and leap up to 40 feet across. This is useful when they are chasing prey or climbing trees to find a place to rest or hide.

Mountain lions can purr

Like domesticated cats, mountain lions can purr, although it is much louder. They purr by vibrating their larynx while inhaling and exhaling, creating a low-pitched buzzing sound. They mostly purr while nursing their young or to self-soothe when feeling stressed or injured. Purring can also be a sign that they are feeling happy and relaxed.

Mountain lions go by many names

Mountain lions are known by many names, including cougar, panther, red tiger, deer tiger, catamount, and puma amongst others. These cats go by at least 40 different names in the English language alone. Mountain lions are even listed by the Guinness World Records as the mammal with the most common names.

They are solitary animals

Mountain lions are solitary and begin hunting and living alone when they separate from their mother. They usually stay with their mother for about 15 months, but some stay for up to 26 months. They will establish their own territories once they leave their mother. Mountain lions are incredibly protective of their territories and will roam around their territories ready to defend them against potential threats.

Mountain lions are an umbrella species

Mountain lions are considered an umbrella species because they are representatives of their ecosystem when conservation-related decisions are being made. Their conservation depends on large amounts of habitats being preserved since they have large territories. This also means that areas protected for mountain lions also protect the various plants and animals within it.

There are two mountain lion subspecies

There are two main subspecies of mountain lion — the South American Cougar and the North American Cougar. South American Cougars are found in northern and western South America, primarily in the Andes Mountains and Amazon rainforest. The North American Cougar is the biggest cat in North America and is mostly found in the western half of the continent.

Mountain lions have the largest habitat range of any terrestrial animal in the Americas

Mountain lions have an extensive habitat range consisting of forests, mountains, wetlands, deserts, swamps, and prairies. They are found in almost every ecosystem in the Americas, making them highly adaptable felines. These cats prefer habitats with thick vegetation or plenty of rock formations for shelter and to keep them hidden while they stalk their prey.

They live longer in captivity

Mountain lions have an average lifespan of about ten years. However, they are known to live much longer in captivity, sometimes up to 20 years. Wild mountain lions have significantly shorter lifespans because they face harsh weather conditions, starvation, disease, and other threats to their survival. These cats are considered old in the early to mid-teens.

19 Most Powerful Animals on Earth

19 Most Powerful Animals on Earth