Puma

An elusive hunter of the Americas

2.4 m

Lenght

90+ kg

Adult male weight

6

cubs per litter

Built for stealth and speed, the puma thrives where few predators can.

The puma, also known as the mountain lion or cougar, is a solitary predator found across the Americas. With a lean, muscular frame and golden-brown coat, it moves with quiet power through forests, grasslands, and mountain terrain. Adaptable and elusive, pumas can leap long distances, climb with ease, and hunt a wide variety of prey.

Their quiet presence and broad range make them one of the most versatile big cats in the wild. Though sightings are rare, photographing a puma in its natural habitat offers a chance to capture both the stealth and strength that define this remarkable species.

Find them at the following tours

Our photo safaris are designed to bring you as close to the wild as possible, so that you can watch and photograph these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.

Overview

Pumas, also known as mountain lions or cougars, are large and powerful felids native to the Americas. They are known for their remarkable adaptability and wide distribution, ranging from Canada to the southern tip of South America.

Pumas have a distinctive appearance with a slender body, muscular limbs, and a long tail. Their fur can vary in color, ranging from light tan to reddish-brown, providing effective camouflage in their diverse habitats. As solitary hunters, pumas are incredibly skilled and versatile predators. They possess exceptional agility, speed, and stealth, allowing them to stalk and ambush their prey effectively.

Their diet primarily consists of deer, but they can also target smaller mammals like rabbits, rodents, and even livestock when opportunities arise.

Key Facts

  • Pumas have the largest distribution of any wild land mammal in the
  • Americas, ranging from Canada to South America.
  • They are incredibly athletic and can jump up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) vertically in a single leap.
  • Pumas have the ability to adapt to various habitats, including forests, mountains, deserts, and even urban areas.
  • Unlike most big cats, pumas can purr, similar to domestic cats, but they cannot roar.
  • Pumas are solitary animals and prefer to hunt alone, except during the mating season.
  • They have exceptional vision, allowing them to spot prey from long distances, even in low light conditions.
  • Pumas have a diverse diet, primarily consisting of deer, but they can also hunt smaller mammals like rabbits and rodents.
  • The mother puma raises the cubs on her own, teaching them essential hunting and survival skills for about two years.
  • Pumas are known by different names in different regions, such as mountain lion, cougar, catamount, and puma.
  • Pumas have powerful hind legs, enabling them to reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) in short bursts.

Types and Habitats

Pumas (Puma concolor) range widely across the Americas, with several subspecies showing subtle differences in size and coat colour. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in forests, mountains, deserts, and coastal regions. As skilled hunters, they primarily target deer but will also take smaller prey like rodents, hares, and occasionally livestock. This flexibility in habitat and diet has made the puma one of the most successful and wide-ranging big cats in the world.

WHERE TO FIND ME

Find them at these destinations

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FAQ

Explore the Fascinating World of This Animal Through These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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