Mountain Lion

NPS Photo

Scientific Name

Felis concolor

Identification

• 75-175 lbs
• Adults are tan to light cinnamon in color and have a white underbelly
• The backs of their ears and tip of their tail are black

Range and Habitat

Mountain lions can basically be found wherever deer are present, which includes deserts as well as coastal forests, and from sea level to 10,000-foot elevations. They are native to both South Dakota and Nebraska, but their populations declined in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to unregulated hunting.

Today, larger populations are found in the Black Hills of South Dakota and in western Nebraska. Their usual habitat is steep, rocky canyons or mountainous terrain. However, some mountain lions have been spotted in the prairies and river bluffs near the Missouri National Recreational River.

Diet

Mountain lions are strictly carnivorous with deer and elk comprising most of their diet. Additional prey includes bighorn sheep, porcupines, rabbits and turkeys. Although not common, mountain lions are known to kill livestock.

Fun Facts

• Mountain lions are also known by other names like cougar and puma.
• Their scientific name, Puma concolor, means "cat of one color."
• They are the largest cats that still purr.
• Mountain lions can leap as high as 18 feet vertically and cover 40 feet horizontally in one bound.

 

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