A cat of many names, the puma (Felis concolor) is also known as the cougar, panther or mountain lion. The puma has a small, broad head with small rounded ears, a powerful body with long hind legs and tail, which is tipped with black. It weighs around 60-100 kg (150-230 lb). The 2-3 cubs are born with spotted coats which fade as they mature.
The male puma can often patrol areas in excess of 100 square miles, although these will overlap the territories of several females who maintain smaller ranges. The puma hunts alone, by day or night and will cache its food, if large enough, in dense undergrowth, returning to it over several days. In hunting the puma uses the strength of its powerful hind legs to lunge at its prey with single running jumps that can reach in excess of 12 m (40 ft). The puma makes many sounds, including an almost humanlike scream when courting, but it cannot roar.
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The male puma can often patrol areas in excess of 100 square miles, although these will overlap the territories of several females who maintain smaller ranges. The puma hunts alone, by day or night and will cache its food, if large enough, in dense undergrowth, returning to it over several days. In hunting the puma uses the strength of its powerful hind legs to lunge at its prey with single running jumps that can reach in excess of 12 m (40 ft). The puma makes many sounds, including an almost humanlike scream when courting, but it cannot roar.
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