Cougar Teh Mountain Lion

The cougar or mountain lion is a large and potentially dangerous animal that is a natural and rather common - but not often observed - inhabitant of Mount Rainier National Park. The scientific name of the cougar, Felis concolor, means "cat of one color." The animal is identified by its large size, cat-like appearance, uniformly gray to reddish-tan body color, and long tail - nearly three feet (1 m) long and a third of its total length. The muzzle and chest are white and there are black markings on the face, ears and tip of the tail; young kittens have black spots on the body. Adult male cougars can weigh over 150 lbs. (70 kg), females from 90 to 110 lbs. (40-50 kg), and sub-adults 40 to 80 lbs. (20-40 kg). Adult males often have a larger head, neck and shoulders and more husky appearance; females and subadults are often more lean and slender. Click on the picture of the cougar for a larger photograph.

Generally, adult cougars are solitary animals and come together only for mating. Kittens stay with their mother for up to two years. Females first breed at 18-24 months of age. The gestation period is 92 days, and kittens are born at two-to-three year intervals. Kittens are born with blue eyes and a spotted coat, but the spots gradually fade and disappear by age two. During late spring and summer, one to two-year old cougars become independent of their mothers. While attempting to find a home range, these young cougars may roam widely in search of unoccupied territory. This is when cougars are most likely to conflict with humans.

The cougar's primary prey is deer. It will also feed on elk, rabbits, beaver, raccoons, grouse, and occasionally livestock and domestic pets. Cougars are most active at dusk and dawn. However, they will roam and hunt at any time of the day or night and in all seasons.