The Cougar is the largest of the small cats. It is also known as the
Puma, Mountain Lion, mountain devil or ghost cat. It is the most widespread
of all the American cats, found throughout the entire continent. They
dislike the coldest or most heavily populated areas of the Americas.
Preferring grassland, bush,swamp, tropical forest and coniferous forest.
They use caves, rocky crevices or dense vegetation for temporary shelter.
Females use dens to bring up their young.

Their tail and body measure in up to 6 feet 3 inches with a tail adding
another 2 feet 10 inches. Males can weigh up to 225 pounds, averaging 145
to 165 lbs. Females wiegh 7-100 lbs.

Snacks consist of deer (favorite), rodents, hare, beavers, porcupines, sheep,
horse and cattle. Cougars are skilled at concealing themselves from prey. They
have excellent sight, good hearing but a poor sense of smell. Cougars can snack
on their prize over several days if hidden under leaves.

The Cougar has a loud purr but have been observed to have a spine tingling scream.
Their territories range from 8 square miles to over 500 square miles.The female
takes care of its young. The male takes no interest in this chore.






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