THE MOUNTAIN LION
The mountain lion, also known as the cougar and the Florida panther, once roamed throughout the Americas. One of three predators native to this continent, like the wolf and the grizzly bear, this nocturnal animal was driven nearly to extinction during the past two centuries by humans through hunting and habitat encroachment.
Although
rarely spotted anywhere in the Eastern United States, this notoriously shy
creature stills finds a home in several far Western States and in Florida, parts
of Canada and Mexico. Government programs, aimed at protecting remaining
populations of these big cats, have aroused equally strong feelings among
preservationists, ranchers
and land developers.
Mountain lions range in size from relatively small, 75 - 85 lbs., to the much larger Florida Panther and Western species which have been recorded weighing up to 200 lbs. and more. These cats have large feet which help them negotiate snowy conditions and difficult terrain.
Their very long, heavy tails assist them to balance their bodies as they leap from one precipice to another in high country. They have loose and voluminous skin and fur around the neck/shoulders which protect the vital organs from fatal injury.
Eastern mountain ranges. It has been
some years since cougars have lived
in these areas, and these recent