Cougar, Mountain Lion, mountain devil or ghost 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. Pumas are skilled at concealing themselves
from prey. They have excellent sight, good hearing but a poor sense of
smell. Pumas can snack on their prize over several days if hidden
under leaves.
The Puma 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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