Mountain Lion
Encounters
The mountain lion, commonly
known as cougar, panther, or puma, exists only in the Western Hemisphere and is
one of
A lion’s natural life span is probably about 12 years in the wild and up to 25
years in captivity. Lion populations are known to be about 68 per cent
female. Natural enemies include other large predators such as bears,
lions, and wolves. Mountain lions also fall victim to accidents, disease,
road hazards, and people.
Habitat
The mountain lion’s habitat ranges from desert to subalpine
mountains. Lions will generally be most abundant in areas with plentiful
deer. Size of the home range depends on terrain and how much food is
available. Boundaries of male home range are marked with piles of dirt
and twigs, called scrapes, which signal to other lions that this area is
occupied.
Hunting and Feeding Habits
Lions are most active from dusk to dawn, although they do travel and hunt in
daylight. Lions prefer to eat deer, but they will also kill small
mammals, livestock, and domestic animals such as pets.
Mountain lions prefer to kill their own prey. Like most cats, they take
their prey by ambush rather than a long pursuit. After spotting prey, a
lion stalks using available cover, then attacks with a rush, often from behind.
Lions usually kill with a powerful bite below the base of the skull, breaking
the neck. They drag the carcass to a sheltered spot beneath a tree or overhang
to feed on it. They cover the carcass with dirt and leaves and may return
to feed on it over the course of a few days. Lions feeding on a kill can
be dangerous to people. Lions that have been fed by people may become
aggressive unexpectedly.
Mating and Breeding
Female lions generally reproduce when they are about 2-1/2 years old and have
young at 12-24 month intervals. Courtship begins when a roaming female in
heat makes frequent sounds and leaves a scent that attracts males. After
locating the female, the male accompanies her for just a few days when mating
occurs. Breeding can take place throughout the year, but most females
give birth between April and July, following a 3-month gestation period.
Mountain lions typically have between one and six kittens. The most
common litter is two to three kittens. Kittens between zero and five
months old have a spotted coat; however, spots may be retained for a longer
period of time, but are generally faded.
Birth to Maturity
The female gives birth to her kittens usually in a secluded spot beneath an
uprooted tree or rocky depression. Care of the kittens rests solely on
the female. She defends them vigorously against male lions, which may
kill them.
Newborn kittens are about 1 foot long and weight about a pound. They stir
only to nurse until they are about 2 weeks old when their eyes open and they
become alert and playful. Weaning occurs at about 2 months.
At 6 months, the kittens weight over 30 pounds and are becoming capable
hunters. They remain with their mother for another year, improving their
hunting skills.
What to Do if
You Meet a Mountain Lion
No studies have been done to determine what to do if you meet a mountain
lion. Based on observations by people who have come upon lions, some patterns
of behavior and response are beginning to emerge. The following
suggestions may be helpful, but remember: every situation is different with
respect to the lion, the terrain, the people, and their activity.
- When you hike or walk in mountain lion country, go in groups and make plenty
of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a lion. A sturdy walking
stick is a good idea; it can be used to ward off a lion. Make sure
children are close to you and within your sight at all times.
- Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens.
Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to
escape.
- Stay calm. Talk calmly, yet firmly to it. Move slowly.
- Stop or back away slowly, if you can do it safely. Running may
stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand
upright.
- Do all you can do to appear larger. Raise your
arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. If you have small
children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won’t panic and run.
- If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches, or whatever you can
get your hands on without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your
arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion
that you are not prey and that you may in fact be a danger to the lion.
- Fight back if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey
that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or
jackets, garden tools, and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing
or try to get back up!
Summarized in April 2004 by Jean Husemann
from a Colorado Division of Wildlife brochure and Green Valley News and Sun
newspaper articles.
Additional Material: GVHC Library File 83